El Clasico returns to the La Liga calendar this weekend as Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
Spain’s eternal rivals meet as the top two teams in the table in a clash that could have huge consequences for the title race, even at this stage of the season.
Here is everything you need to know.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news
Form
Real Madrid: DLWWW
Three consecutive wins in all competitions have improved the mood of Madridistas, whose team are within striking distance of the leaders. A win this weekend will move Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the summit, while Los Blancos will equal La Liga’s longest ever unbeaten run if they avoid defeat.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not lost in La Liga since September 24th 2023, a run of 42 games. The current record of 43 games was set by this weekend’s opponents, Barcelona, in 2018.
Two Brazilians in fine form ⚡
All eyes on El Clásico this weekend 🍿 pic.twitter.com/WyY986Gf3Y
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 24, 2024
In midweek, Real recovered from two goals down at half-time to beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. The rematch of last season’s final saw Dortmund take control, only for Vinicius Junior to score a second-half hat-trick to inspire the turnaround and a 5-2 win.
The Brazilian is expected to be named winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or at Monday’s ceremony in Paris.
Both teams will be without their first-choice goalkeepers for the clash with Thibaut Courtois ruled out for three to four weeks with an adductor injury in his left leg. The Belgian missed most of last season with an ACL injury.
Rodrygo, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are also out for Real Madrid.
Barcelona: LWWWW
Barcelona have been almost flawless in La Liga this season with nine wins from their 10 games this season. Hansi Flick has transformed the team with the ex-Bayern boss celebrating the best result of his tenure to date in midweek.
His side thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League, with Raphinha scoring a hat-trick as Barcelona ended a six-game losing run against the German giants.
🌙 We’ll be wearing this jersey tomorrow. #ElClásico
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 25, 2024
Raphinha has been a revelation this season with nine goals and eight assists in 13 games, while Robert Lewandowski has raced ahead as the league’s leading scorer. The 36-year-old has 12 goals from 10 games in La Liga, six clear of nearest challengers Kylian Mbappe and Ayoz Perez in the race for the Pichichi Trophy.
Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal and all confirmed absentees for Barcelona.
Last Meeting
Real Madrid 3-2 Barcelona, La Liga, 21st April 2024
Real Madrid snatched the points in a see-sawing El Clasico contest in April.
The home side twice came from behind to level at the Bernabeu, before Jude Bellingham smashed home a stoppage-time winner. Bellingham, who had scored the decisive goal in stoppage time in the reverse fixture, repeated the feat as he struck his 17th league goal of the season to break Barcelona hearts.
Vinicius Junior’s penalty and a goal from Lucas Vasquez had earlier cancelled out Barcelona efforts from Andreas Christensen and Fermin Lopez, setting the stage for Bellingham’s winner. He became the first Real player to score in their first two La Liga El Clasico’s since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2007.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Who is the referee?
Jose Maria Sanchez.
What channel is Real Madrid vs Barcelona?
In the UK, El Clasico will be televised live on Premier Sports 1 UK. The channel was previously known as Viaplay Sports.
What time is kick off?
El Clasico is due to kick-off at 20:00 BST on October 26, 2024.
Odds
Real Madrid – 11/10
Draw – 3/1
Barcelona – 21/10
Read – Iconic Performances: Messi lights up El Clasico with his first ever hat-trick
See more – Five of the most memorable El Clásico thrashings
