The Catalans will be without Dembélé and Pedri, while Benzema remains a doubt for Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The countdown to what could be the defining match of the La Liga season continues. This Sunday at 9pm, the rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid unfolds at Spotify Camp Nou in a Clásico that could seal the title race or spark another twist just before the international break.
FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. BARCELONA CLICK HERE FIRST
At the moment, Barcelona leads the table with a comfortable nine-point gap over Madrid. A victory would stretch that lead to twelve, tightening the chase if Real Madrid manages to win and closing the gap to six. A draw would still leave Barça nine points clear at the top.
Barça will lean on its core bloc
Ahead of the clash, Xavi Hernández confirmed injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and Pedri González. Pedri had begun training during the week but will not feature in the Clásico, clearing the path for a trusted lineup. With two key absences, the Barça coach is expected to rely on the established spine of the team. Questions hover over the selection on the left flank, with Alex Balde or Jordi Alba contending for the role, and over midfield pairings, as Franck Kessié or Sergi Roberto could slot in alongside Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong in the middle field trio.
Play the GOAL Challenge of the Fantasy Kickbase game and win spectacular prizes: you can register here
Madrid waiting on Benzema
Real Madrid arrive with the imperative to win if they are to keep any realistic chance of dethroning the leaders. Karim Benzema is the great unknown after a relapse in ankle discomfort, with the Clásico potentially serving as a make-or-break moment for his availability. If Benzema cannot start, Rodrygo Goes could lead the line, supported by Fede Valverde and Vinicius Junior. In defense, Nacho Fernández continues to be trusted on the left, while Carlo Ancelotti faces a tactical decision in midfield between Eduardo Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni, aiming to partner Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in the pivot.
Follow all the Barça news live via the Goal Telegram channel. You can subscribe for free by clicking here
Follow all the Real Madrid news live on the Goal Telegram channel. You can subscribe for free by clicking here
LINEUPS OF BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
FC Barcelona (1-4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Balde/Alba; Kessié/Roberto, Busquets, De Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga/Tchouaméni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema/Rodrygo, Vinicius
WHEN AND WHERE IS BARÇA VS REAL MADRID
THE CALLS FOR ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. BARCELONA
For now, there are no official squad announcements before the showdown.
INJURIES AND SELECTION NOTES FOR BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
FC BARCELONA
REAL MADRID
SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO WATCH BARCELONA VS REAL MADRID
Barcelona’s recent results and form are under review as the club prepares to host their fiercest rivals. Real Madrid arrive aiming to close the gap and keep title hopes alive, with every tactical call under the microscope.
Barcelona’s last matches
Barcelona’s next matches
Last matches of Real Madrid
Next matches of Real Madrid
Which post did you like the most?
- 52%Real Betty
- eleven%sao paulo
- 5%cremonese
- 25%Ajax
- 7%Burnley
16369
Source: Goal