Football’s fiercest club fixture returns this weekend when Real Madrid meet Barcelona in El Clásico.
La Liga’s leading sides do battle for Spanish supremacy at the Bernabeu in the latest episode of their long-standing rivalry. Each team features brilliant talent. But who makes our Real Madrid vs Barcelona Combined XI?
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
One of the best goalkeepers in world football for over a decade. Now into his eighth season at the Bernabeu, Courtois has claimed three league titles and two Champions League trophies among his honours. The big Belgian rarely lets Real down.
Right-back: Jules Kounde – Barcelona
Jules Kounde has been passed fit for Sunday’s showdown in a big boost to Barcelona. The Frenchman was key to the club’s Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid last season, scoring the winner in extra time. Kounde’s consistency earns him the nod over Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is yet to get going in a Real Madrid shirt.
Centre-back: Eder Militao – Real Madrid
Real Madrid will hope Eder Militao is over the worst of his injuries. After seeing the previous two campaigns decimated, the Brazilian is back leading Los Blancos’ backline. A ferocious competitor who will not give Barcelona an inch.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona
Pau Cubarsi would probably command more headlines were it not for a certain Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old has locked down a role in the Barcelona backline and is approaching a century of games for the Catalans. A wonderkid in his own right.
Left-back: Alvaro Carreras – Real Madrid
Alvaro Carreras will face the biggest test of his impressive start at Real Madrid this weekend. Since signing from Benfica, the left-back has caught the eye with his progressive passing and ability to win defensive duels.
No defender across Europe’s top five leagues has played more progressive passes (80) than Álvaro Carreras so far this season.
Elite distributor from deep. 👏 pic.twitter.com/s5m8mqyWQq
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 24, 2025
Midfield: Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona
The Dutchman appears to have rediscovered his best form at Barcelona and has been rewarded with a new contract. De Jong is an underrated cog in the Catalans’ system and a man who makes the champions tick.
🇳🇱 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, 28)
◉ 96th percentile for forward passes
◉ 96th percentile for forward pass %
◉ 89th percentile for progressive carries
◉ 89th percentile for progressive passes
◉ 87th percentile for duels won %
◉ 83rd percentile for key passes— DataMB (@DataMB_) October 19, 2025
Midfield: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
Federico Valverde has not been at his best this season, but he remains one of the most complete midfielders in the game. He’s brings tenacity alongside a tireless work-rate, and an ability to drive his side up the pitch.
Whatever role is asked of him, he performs with 100% application. played 36 of a possible 38 games in the La Liga last season, signifying his importance in Carlo Ancelotti’s side before the appointment of Xabi Alonso.
Midfield: Pedri – Barcelona
It’s easy to forget that Pedri was not schooled in La Masia, such is the Barcelona DNA within his game. An artist in midfield, the 22-year-old’s ability to evade pressure is almost unmatched. One of the best midfielders in the world.
Right-wing: Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
At just 18, there is a genuine argument that Lamine Yamal is the best footballer in the world. His list of achievements already is one some players dream of across an entire career, with his ceiling scarily unclear. He just missed out on the Ballon d’Or in 2025 but only a fool would bet against him taking that crown in the coming years.
Lamine Yamal did not hold back when talking about Real Madrid ahead of ElClásico 😅 pic.twitter.com/SrfEFFRsz6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 24, 2025
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior locks down the left-wing spot after an explosive start to the season. The Brazilian has averaged a goal or assist every 69 minutes in La Liga, proving he can play alongside Kylian Mbappe. He will be one of the key threats that Barcelona need to stop.
Vinicius Junior is having his best spell inside the first 8 games of a competition since joining Real Madrid 🇧🇷✨ pic.twitter.com/Ava6WT9ly6
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 18, 2025
Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Make no mistake, this is Kylian Mbappe’s team now.
The Frenchman faced some criticism after a (for his sky-high standards) modest start in Spain, but he’s been in electric mood ever since.
Last season saw Mbappe end with 31 league goals to win the European Golden Shoe, and he’s fired 10 in just nine games this time around. Unstoppable when at his best.
Kylian Mbappé has enjoyed playing against Barcelona, including scoring two hat-tricks against them 😤⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Sm7SWOxc6f
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 25, 2025
Read – Iconic Performances: Messi lights up El Clasico with his first ever hat-trick
See more – Five of the most memorable El Clásico thrashings
