We preview Sunday’s blockbuster La Liga clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys as Barcelona take on Real Madrid. Can Carlo Ancelotti’s side close the gap on their Clásico rivals in the title race?
Table of Contents
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Preview
El Clásico rarely lacks drama, but Sunday’s showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid could be among the most decisive in recent memory.
With Barça leading La Liga by four points ahead of second-placed Madrid, a win for Hansi Flick’s men at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys would virtually seal the title. However, a victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side would cut the gap to just a single point with only three matches remaining—setting up a thrilling finish to the season.
Feeling the tension yet?
The hosts are still reeling from a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exit in midweek, having lost 4-3 to Inter after extra time at San Siro (7-6 on aggregate) in what was one of the most thrilling ties in the tournament’s history.
With both sides now out of European contention, La Liga remains the only major trophy left to fight for. Barcelona are eyeing a domestic double—or even a treble, if you count the Supercopa de España—after recently defeating Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Despite their European setback, Barcelona head into El Clásico in top form. They are unbeaten in their last 15 league matches (W13 D2), with their last defeat coming back on December 21 against Atlético Madrid (2-1). They haven’t enjoyed a longer unbeaten streak in La Liga since a 19-match run between December 2020 and April 2021 (W16 D3).
Real Madrid remain hot on Barcelona’s heels, having won their last four La Liga fixtures. However, they have yet to string together five consecutive league victories this season—a milestone they’ll be eager to hit in Sunday’s clash.
Barcelona, as demonstrated in their Champions League semi-final thriller, are an attacking force. They’ve netted 91 goals in La Liga so far—their highest tally after 34 matches since the 2016-17 season (101 goals). That firepower could prove decisive against a Real Madrid backline that has shown uncharacteristic vulnerability, conceding 33 goals—their poorest defensive record at this stage since the 2018-19 campaign (38 goals).
All eyes will be on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who continues to generate buzz as a future global superstar. The 17-year-old will be eager to make a statement on the grandest domestic stage. Raphinha, meanwhile, is enjoying a phenomenal season, with 54 goal involvements in all competitions (32 goals, 22 assists)—a tally bettered only by Mohamed Salah (56) across Europe’s top five leagues.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski is also expected to start after returning from injury against Inter. The prolific forward has scored 40 goals this season and boasts a strong record against Real Madrid, with 11 goals in 17 appearances against them. Only Lionel Messi (26) and Luis Suárez (12) have scored more against Los Blancos in the 21st century, with Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Eto’o also on 11.
Hansi Flick has never lost to Real Madrid, winning all three of his meetings against them. A fourth straight win would see him join an elite group—only Pep Guardiola has begun his Clásico career with more consecutive wins (five between 2008 and 2010).
On the opposite bench, Carlo Ancelotti could be managing his final Clásico, with speculation mounting that Xabi Alonso will take over at season’s end. Ancelotti has suffered 12 defeats in 25 matches against Barcelona (W10 D3)—his worst record against any opponent.
Real Madrid must claim all three points to keep their title hopes alive. Kylian Mbappé will be key to that ambition, having scored 36 goals in 52 appearances this season. Another strike would see him match Iván Zamorano’s record of 37 goals in a debut season for the club (1992-93).
Alongside him, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham are expected to start, while Rodrygo should return to the squad after recovering from illness that kept him out of the 3-2 win over Celta Vigo.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head
Barcelona have dominated El Clásico encounters this season, winning all three matchups across different competitions.
Their most emphatic statement came in October, when they dismantled Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu in the league, with goals from Robert Lewandowski (2), Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. That result was followed by a 5-2 demolition of Los Blancos in the Supercopa de España final in January.
Most recently, Barça edged out their rivals 3-2 after extra-time in last month’s Copa del Rey final, with Jules Koundé sealing the win with a spectacular long-range effort.
Barcelona have only once before won four consecutive El Clásicos—an achievement that came under Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2010, when they managed five straight victories.
However, Real Madrid can take some encouragement from their recent record at Barça’s home. They’ve won four of their last five visits across all competitions (L1), matching the number of wins they had managed in their previous 19 trips combined (W4 D7 L8).
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Team News
Barcelona – Team News
Hansi Flick faces a few selection challenges ahead of this weekend’s El Clásico against Real Madrid.
The Barcelona manager understands the significance of securing a positive result at home. A draw or a win would put Barça in a commanding position, with one hand on the La Liga title, leaving them just three games to seal it.
Flick has been given a boost with the return of Alejandro Balde to training. The left-back has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury in last month’s victory over Leganés but is now in contention to start against Real Madrid. However, Gerard Martin has stepped up in Balde’s absence and performed well, making this decision less straightforward.
On the opposite side, Eric García is expected to fill in for Jules Koundé—who scored a dramatic winner in the Copa del Rey final two weeks ago—while Pau Cubarsi and Íñigo Martínez are likely to continue their partnership in central defense.
Flick has confirmed that Wojciech Szczęsny will start in goal ahead of Marc-André ter Stegen.
Up front, Robert Lewandowski is pushing for a starting spot after making his comeback as a substitute in Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan on Tuesday. If the Polish striker is included in the starting lineup, Ferran Torres is the most likely candidate to make way, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha completing an attacking trio that will look to take advantage of a vulnerable Real Madrid defense.
Real Madrid – Team News
Carlo Ancelotti is forced to field a makeshift defence for Real Madrid in this weekend’s El Clásico against Barcelona.
Heading to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Los Blancos are acutely aware of their slipping grip on the La Liga title. With a four-point deficit to their bitter rivals and just four games left, only a victory will keep their title hopes alive.
Stopping Barcelona’s potent attack is already a monumental challenge, and Madrid’s defensive woes have only added to their troubles. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are long-term absentees due to ACL injuries, while Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba have now joined them on the sidelines.
This leaves Aurelien Tchouaméni to fill in at centre-back alongside Raúl Asencio. On the left, Fran García will have the tough task of trying to contain the talented Lamine Yamal, while Federico Valverde may be deployed at right-back to counter Raphinha’s threat.
With limited options in central midfield, Valverde will also need to play alongside Luka Modrić in the middle of the park.
In attack, there’s a decision to be made about who partners Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. Rodrygo, who has recovered from illness, could be fit for selection, but after Arda Güler’s standout performance last week—scoring a goal and providing an assist against Celta—he might not be an automatic starter on the right.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted Lineup
Barcelona – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Szczesny
- Defenders – Eric, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin
- Midfielders – Pedri, De Jong, Olmo
- Forwards – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal
Real Madrid – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Courtois
- Defenders – Vazquez, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Fran Garcia
- Midfielders – Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham
- Forwards – Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, Guler
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Prediction
The pressure is mounting on Real Madrid to secure all three points and keep their La Liga title hopes alive in this fiercely competitive race. A loss to Barcelona could spell the end for Ancelotti’s side, with only matches against Mallorca (May 14), Sevilla (May 18), and Real Sociedad (May 25) remaining.
Can Madrid exploit Barcelona’s vulnerable position and reduce the gap to just one point? Given their injury crisis and recent results, a win seems unlikely, but hope remains after Madrid’s spirited second-half performance in the Copa del Rey final. If Ancelotti can replicate that tactical approach, there’s a chance they could salvage a point.
With a draw offering little benefit to Madrid, it’s hard to see Barcelona losing, yet the attacking talent on both sides promises goals. A draw, the first between these two since December 2019, seems a plausible outcome.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
When and Where to Watch El Clasico LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The La Liga 2024-25 match between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Catalonia, Spain. The match is set for May 11 at 7:45 pm IST. It will be streamed online via FanCode website and app.
Read More: Premier League Demands Dressing Room Access in New £6.7bn TV Deal Shake-Up
FAQs
FAQs
Who won the last El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid?
Barcelona won the last El Clasico, beating Real Madrid 3-2 after extra-time in the Copa del Rey final.
Will Robert Lewandowski start for Barcelona in El Clasico?
Robert Lewandowski is pushing for a start after returning from injury against Inter Milan.
Why is Real Madrid missing key defenders for El Clasico?
Real Madrid are missing several defenders due to injuries, including Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy, and Militao.
What’s at stake for Real Madrid in this El Clasico?
Real Madrid must win to keep their La Liga title hopes alive, trailing Barcelona by four points with four matches left.
Who will replace injured defenders in Real Madrid’s lineup?
Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio are expected to start in central defence, with Fran Garcia and Vazquez covering the flanks.
