Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of the table, meaning a win for Real Madrid is crucial if they want to keep their hopes of overtaking the Catalan giants alive before the season ends.
Barça head into this showdown still reeling from their dramatic Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan. Despite taking the lead in the second leg through Raphinha in the 87th minute, they conceded a late equalizer in stoppage time and then fell to a heartbreaking extra-time goal, losing 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate.
While that European exit stung, Barcelona can still finish the season on a high. Under Hansi Flick, they’ve already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey this year, and winning La Liga would round off a memorable campaign. They’ve won their last four league games, including a narrow 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid last weekend, and their upcoming fixtures — against Espanyol, Villarreal, and Athletic Bilbao — put them in a strong position to finish the job.
Even a draw on Sunday would leave Barça in control of their own destiny, but a loss would give Real Madrid a real lifeline. Flick’s side have already beaten their rivals three times this season, including a stunning 4-0 win at the Bernabéu in October, and victories in both domestic cup finals.
As for Real Madrid, they’re not mathematically out of the title race regardless of Sunday’s result — but anything less than a win would make their path to the top very unlikely. Carlo Ancelotti’s team started the season strong by winning the UEFA Super Cup, but early exits from the Champions League (knocked out by Arsenal in the quarter-finals) and a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona have left fans frustrated.
With speculation swirling about Ancelotti’s future — and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso tipped to take over this summer — Real know they need to make a statement. They’ve had a full week to prepare, having last played in a 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, and have won their last four La Liga games, keeping three clean sheets.
They’ve also had some success against Barça in recent league meetings, including a 2-1 win in this fixture last season. But if they want to stay in the title hunt this year, a repeat performance on Sunday is absolutely essential.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Barcelona have been handed a boost ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico, with Alejandro Balde returning to full training after recovering from a hamstring injury. All signs point to him starting in the high-stakes clash against Real Madrid.
Robert Lewandowski is also expected to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the Champions League semi-final against Inter, following his own hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Iñigo Martínez is fit to play despite a recent muscle scare.
However, Pablo Torre and Marc Casadó are unlikely to be involved due to knee problems, and both Jules Koundé and Marc Bernal have been ruled out entirely.
One of Hansi Flick’s biggest decisions will be in goal. Marc-André ter Stegen is fully fit again and could reclaim his spot in the XI, although Wojciech Szczęsny has impressed since joining and has made a strong case to keep his place.
On the Real Madrid side, the injury list is extensive. Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga are all sidelined for the rest of the season.
Rodrygo is expected to return to the squad after missing time through illness, but rising star Arda Güler could earn a starting spot after a standout performance in Madrid’s recent win over Celta Vigo.
With injuries affecting the backline, Federico Valverde may slot in at right-back, while Dani Ceballos and Luka Modrić are likely to start in midfield, allowing Jude Bellingham to take on a more attacking role.
Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé are guaranteed starters up front, with Mbappé aiming for his first win over Barcelona in a Real Madrid shirt after losing all three of his previous meetings with them this season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Tchouameni, F Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
