The Catalans won’t count on Dembele or Pedri, while Benzema’s status is uncertain for Carlo Ancelotti.
Arrives what is arguably the most decisive match left in the league season for the title race. This Sunday at 9pm, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid meet at Spotify Camp Nou in a Clásico that could tip the championship one way or another just as the break for international fixtures approaches.
Currently, Barcelona sit at the top of the table, enjoying a nine-point cushion over Real Madrid. A victory would stretch that gap to twelve, a defeat would bring Madrid within six, and a draw would leave the lead at nine points with several games still to play.
Barca will rely on their core block
Ahead of the clash, coach Xavi Hernández confirmed injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Pedri González. Pedri had started training this week but will miss the Clásico, while Dembele remains sidelined. With those two players unavailable, the coach will lean on his trusted core. Decision time looms for the lineup: will Alex Balde or Jordi Alba occupy the left-back slot, and will Franck Kessié or Sergi Roberto partner Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong in midfield?
Play the GOAL Challenge of the Fantasy Kickbase game and win spectacular prizes: you can register here
Madrid waiting on Benzema
Real Madrid approach the game under pressure to win if they want to stay in the title hunt. Benzema’s ankle issue has resurfaced, leaving him as a major doubt for the First Clasico of the week. If Benzema is unavailable, Rodrygo Goes could lead the line, supported by Fede Valverde and Vinícius Júnior. In defense, Nacho Fernández is a likely starter on the left, while Carlo Ancelotti may choose between Eduardo Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni to sit beside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield.
Nobody doubts the intensity of the rivalry, and both sides will be keen to make a statement ahead of the international break. The tactical balance and availability of key attackers will shape the tempo of the match, with goal-threats from Barcelona’s attacking trio and Madrid’s dynamic frontline set to collide in a high-stakes confrontation.
Follow the latest Barcelona and Real Madrid news in real time as each club prepares for a crucial period ahead.
LINEUPS OF BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
FC Barcelona (1-4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Balde or Alba; Kessié or Sergi Roberto, Busquets, De Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski and Gavi
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga or Tchouaméni, Kroos; Fede Valverde, Benzema or Rodrygo and Viníus
WHEN AND WHERE IS BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
THE CALLS FOR ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. BARCELONA
There are no official squad lists released yet for the match.
INJURED AND CREATIVE NOTES FROM BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
FC BARCELONA
REAL MADRID
SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO SEE LIVE BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
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
- 11%sao paulo
- 5%cremonese
- 25%Ajax
- 7%Burnley
16369