# El Clásico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Predicted Lineups, Kickoff Time and Preview

URL: https://technosports.co.in/el-clasico-preview-lineups/  
Published: 2026-10-25  
Updated: 2026-10-25  
Author: Rahul Roy

Thirteen years is a long time to stay away from a fight you once owned. Tonight, José Mourinho walks back into El Clásico for the first time since 2013, and he does it at Camp Nou, against a Barcelona side that has been running away with La Liga.

## 🔥 Why This Clásico Feels Different

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona sit six points clear of Real Madrid. A win tonight would stretch that gap to nine, which would feel close to unassailable this early in the season. For Mourinho, avoiding defeat is almost a must. Barça have also won six of the last seven meetings between the sides, so the visitors have history to fight against.

Before kickoff, check the official [FC Barcelona](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/) and [Real Madrid](https://www.realmadrid.com/) club sites for confirmed team news.

> 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝐃𝐀𝐘: 𝐄𝐋 𝐂𝐋𝐀́𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐎 🔥⚔️  
>   
> 🔵🔴 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝗩𝗦. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗗 ⚪⚪  
>   
> And for the first time ever, it’s 𝗙𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗩𝗦. 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗛𝗢 on the touchline 😤  
>   
> Some call it the biggest game of 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒍𝒍. One thing’s for sure:… [pic.twitter.com/fGt6cYl2FX](https://t.co/fGt6cYl2FX)
>
> — 433 (@433) [October 24, 2026](https://x.com/433/status/2114113805969928522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## 📋 Match Snapshot

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| Fixture | Barcelona vs Real Madrid (La Liga) |
| Venue | Camp Nou, Barcelona |
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8 p.m. GMT / **1:30 a.m. IST (Monday)** |
| Referee | Juan Martínez Munuera |

## 🏟️ Barcelona: A Fortress With a Few Cracks

Since returning to Camp Nou last season, Barça have won all 18 home league games and scored 58 goals. Then Paris Saint-Germain put them in check on Tuesday, and it came at a cost. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tore his ACL, and Dani Olmo’s groin injury rules him out for a month. Jules Koundé and Eric García are also unavailable, so João Cancelo and teenager Xavi Espart are likely to start at full-back. Rodri, who played just 30 minutes this week, is expected to partner Pedri in midfield. Lamine Yamal arrives with 20 goal contributions in 12 games.

**Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J. García; Espart, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha**

## ⚪ Real Madrid: Missing Vinícius, Not Ambition

Vinícius Júnior is serving the second game of a four-match ban, and Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo are injured. Yan Diomande should start on the left, Federico Valverde is set to move to right-back, and Arda Güler is expected to roam from the right. Up front is Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 12 goals in 12 games against Barcelona. Spanish media have praised the harmony Mourinho has built in Madrid, and a united squad can be dangerous.

**Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappé**

## 🔮 Prediction

Sports Illustrated’s preview calls it a 2–2 draw. That scoreline fits a game where Barcelona have the home record and Madrid have the individual brilliance to punish any slip.

## ✅ Bottom Line

Barcelona can go nine points clear, and Mourinho can’t afford to lose. For a rivalry that has lost some sparkle in recent years, there’s plenty riding on this one.

For live updates and past coverage, see our [El Clásico lineup and live coverage](https://technosports.co.in/el-clasico-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-lineup-live/) and follow [LaLiga](https://www.laliga.com/) for official match information.

When does El Clásico kick off?

The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. GMT, or 1:30 a.m. IST on Monday.

Where is El Clásico being played?

The match is at Camp Nou in Barcelona.

Who is expected to miss El Clásico?

Barcelona are without Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé and Eric García. Real Madrid are without Vinícius Júnior, Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo.

What is the predicted score for El Clásico?

The preview predicts a 2–2 draw.