Barcelona vs Real Madrid: La Liga preview, predictions, team news and TV info

Not so long ago, Real Madrid won four successive Clásicos, but have currently lost six of their last seven meetings with Barcelona. Los Blancos are seeking to avoid three successive La Liga defeats in Catalonia for the first time since the infamous 5-0 in 2010.

Matches do not come any bigger than el Clásico so, ahead of this unmissable game, we have put together a preview, predictions, team news and TV guide.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid match info

Date: Sunday 25 October 2026.

Kick off times: 9:pm (local) and 3pm (ET)

Competition: La Liga matchday 10

Venue: Camp Nou - Catalonia

How to watch: ESPN+ (USA), Movistar+ (Spain) and Premier Sports (UK).

How can I watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid?

Barcelona vs Real Madrid match preview

Is this Clásico must win, or merely must not lose for Real Madrid? So far this season, los Blancos have lost both big La Liga away games they have played this season, defeated by Real Betis at La Cartuja and Atlético Madrid in the derby at the Metropolitano. Thus, considering Barcelona are yet to drop a single point, they are currently six points behind the leaders, and cannot allow the gap to increase.

However, José Mourinho's team do come into this huge clash in excellent form. Los Merengues have won four in a row since the international break, including back-to-back 4-1 wins at the Bernabéu, beating Sevilla and then RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé and Yan Diomande all on target on Wednesday.

This though is an exponentially tougher test. So, can Real Madrid reignite their La Liga title hopes with a famous Clásico victory at Camp Nou on Sunday night?

Meantime, as already mentioned, Barcelona have won nine out of nine so far in La Liga, scoring a ridiculous 39 goals. They have become just the second side in Spain's top division to achieve this, after Real Madrid in 1968/69, but no team has ever commenced a campaign with ten straight wins.

Nevertheless, it was clear that Flick is prioritising this match, wanting to open up a nine point gap at the top. The Blaugrana have scored 15 goals across their last three La Liga home games, and goals should be guaranteed in this Clásico, so cancel your Sunday night plans, sit back and enjoy.

Barcelona team news

As evidence that the Clásico was Hansi Flick's focus, Rodri was a substitute in Paris on Tuesday, set to return here, as is Fermín López. With Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen and Eric García all sidelined, scorer against PSG Xavi Espart will continue at right-back, with João Cancelo on the left.

Fit again Raphinha is once again set to lead the line, with Lamine Yamal seeking to add to his three Clásico goals.

Real Madrid team news

As has been widely documented, Vinícius Júnior continues to serve his four-match ban, following his red card against Villarreal. However, one could argue this is a blessing in disguise for José Mourinho. So, having racked up three goals and three assists across his last four games, Yan Diomandé has made himself undroppable.

Fede Valverde is set to continue at right-back, chosen over Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold, this to accomodate Bernardo Silva in midfield. Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella and Aurélien Tchouaméni will return, having been rested on Wednesday.

Predicted Line-ups

Barcelona predicted lineup: García; Espart, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Rodri, Fermín, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gordon, Raphinha.

Real Madrid predicted lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Silva, Bellingham; Güler, Diomandé, Mbappé.

Score prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid