Barcelona are set to host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 La Liga season. The Blaugrana enter the fixture six points clear of their arch-rivals and will be targeting a nine-point cushion by full time.

Barcelona's recent form

Hansi Flick's side had been one of the most dominant forces in European football this season before Paris Saint-Germain brought their 11-match winning run to an abrupt halt midweek. Luis Enrique's side ran out 4-2 winners at the Parc des Princes in the UEFA Champions League, with Desire Doue opening the scoring in the first half.

Barcelona equalised through Xavi Espart — making his first start in the competition — only for Lucas Hernandez to restore PSG's advantage with a header from Doue's cross. Lamine Yamal drew Barcelona level again, but goals from Vitinha in the 81st minute and Fabian Ruiz four minutes from time sealed the victory for the French champions.

Despite the setback, Barcelona remain firmly on top of La Liga and will be determined to reassert their authority against Madrid.

Real Madrid's recent form

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid have suffered two defeats in 12 matches — a 1-0 loss to Real Betis early in the campaign and a 2-1 reverse against city rivals Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos have since responded with four straight wins, including a commanding 4-1 triumph over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.

Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, and record signing Yan Diomande all found the net against Leipzig, giving Mourinho's squad a timely boost of confidence ahead of the Clasico. Madrid will hope to reduce the gap to three points — their first win over Barcelona in eight attempts.

Head-to-head record

Barcelona and Real Madrid have met 264 times in total. Los Blancos hold a narrow historical edge with 107 wins to Barcelona's 106, while 51 matches have ended in a draw. In recent history, however, Barcelona have been dominant — winning six of the last seven Clasicos.

The most recent meeting ended 2-0 to Barcelona, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres in the first half sealing the win that subsequently handed the Blaugrana their 29th league title.

Players to watch — Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has been a revelation since breaking into the first team at 15 three years ago. The 19-year-old Spain international has already racked up 20 goal contributions — ten goals and ten assists — across all competitions this season. His technical dribbling, vision, and creativity on the right flank make him the primary threat for any opponent.

Raphinha has been equally influential, contributing 14 goals — including back-to-back hat-tricks — and three assists before the first international break. The 29-year-old Brazil international is deployed as a false nine by Flick and brings an impressive record against Real Madrid: seven goals and three assists in previous Clasicos. Only against Sevilla, with nine, has Raphinha scored more against any single club in his career.

Players to watch — Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe is Madrid's talisman, with 12 goals and three assists in 12 appearances this season. The 27-year-old France international's pace and clinical finishing have already caused havoc, and he carries a remarkable record of 12 goals in 10 games against Barcelona — only Montpellier, Lyon, and Monaco have conceded more to him throughout his career.

Yan Diomande, 19, is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting players in European football. The record signing has delivered three goals and three assists in his last five matches, with his electric pace expected to test Barcelona's high defensive line throughout the contest.

Team news

Barcelona will be without Dani Olmo (adductor), Roony Bardghji (knee), Andreas Christensen (thigh), Eric Garcia (thigh), and the doubtful Jules Kounde (ankle). Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart are expected to fill the full-back roles, with Rodri and Fermin Lopez returning after the PSG defeat. Yamal, Raphinha, and Anthony Gordon are all set to lead the attack.

Real Madrid travel to Camp Nou without Rodrygo (knee), Ferland Mendy (hip), Raul Asencio (leg), and the suspended Vinicius Junior. Federico Valverde is expected to drop into right back, which could earn Bernardo Silva a starting berth in midfield. Arda Guler and Yan Diomande are set to operate on the flanks behind Mbappe, with Jude Bellingham playing as the number 10.

Possible starting line-ups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe