Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in the first official Clasico of the 2025-26 LaLiga season at the Santiago Bernabeu, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between Spain’s biggest rivals. Fans expect a high-level contest filled with the league’s top talents on both sides.
It remains to be seen how ready some players are to start after recent absences. Real Madrid enter this clash on a strong winning streak, most recently defeating Juventus 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League thanks to a solid defensive display.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have found their rhythm again after two emphatic victories — including a 6-1 win over Girona — highlighted by a Marcus Rashford brace and a hat-trick from Fermin Lopez. The Catalans have been firing on all cylinders and will aim to carry that momentum into the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid lineup vs Barcelona
Dean Huijsen returns to the starting XI after missing the last two matches with a soleus muscle injury that also kept him out of Spain’s recent international fixtures. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains out, whereas Dani Carvajal will start on the bench. That is once again forcing head coach Xabi Alonso to deploy Federico Valverde as a makeshift right-back.
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid starting lineup for Sunday’s Clasico features: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Alex Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; and Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona lineup vs Real Madrid
Earning three points at the Bernabeu will not come easy for Barcelona, who continue to battle an extensive injury list. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha aren’t playing today, with Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, and Dani Olmo also ruled out. In addition, Hansi Flick won’t be on the touchline today after being handed a suspension.
Barcelona’s lineup: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Ferran Torres.