BETTING GUIDE: Real Madrid vs Barcelona- El Classico, Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 25.10.25. | 21:02
Los Blancos currently sit two points clear of the reigning champions at the summit, and a victory here would open a valuable five-point cushion before the November international break
Real Madrid will look to open up a sizeable gap at the top of the LaLiga table when they welcome fierce rivals Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday for the season’s first El Clásico.
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Los Blancos currently sit two points clear of the reigning champions at the summit, and a victory here would open a valuable five-point cushion before the November international break.
For Barcelona, the mission is equally significant: win, and they not only reclaim top spot but also send a message that despite key injuries and an inconsistent defensive start to the season, they remain fully capable of dictating the title race.
Both sides have started the campaign with strong ambitions but contrasting rhythms.
Real Madrid have been dominant in terms of results, winning 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions, with their only slip-up coming in the Madrid derby defeat to Atlético.
Since that setback, they have steadied themselves impressively, grinding out key wins including a 1-0 triumph over Getafe in the league and a similarly narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League, where Jude Bellingham found the decisive goal.
While Real Madrid may not always have dazzled, they have shown maturity, resilience, and the ability to manage tight games.
Their defensive structure has been tested due to injuries at the back, but their attacking power - combined with individual quality in midfield - continues to edge them through crucial moments.
That said, Xabi Alonso's men have already conceded nine goals in nine league games, showing they can be opened up, especially against sides with pace and technical fluidity - traits Barcelona have long embodied.
Barcelona come into the match encouraged by a commanding 6-1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos, a result that restored confidence after a 4-1 away collapse against Sevilla before the international break.
Their response in the weekend win over Girona and the midweek European performance highlighted their attacking potential, even without several key forwards.
Barcelona remain the league’s top scorers, but their defensive fragility is notable, often requiring them to chase games after conceding early.
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This pattern is risky against a Real Madrid team that punishes transitional spaces ruthlessly.
Despite their respective momenta, history provides its own narrative twist.
Barcelona dominated this fixture last season, winning all four meetings across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa, scoring 3+ goals in each.
Their most emphatic was a 4-0 victory at the Bernabéu, a statement win that will still sting in Madrid’s memory. Real have made no secret that revenge is an underlying motivation this weekend.
Real Madrid enters the match with mixed availability in defence.
Antonio Rüdiger is ruled out with a serious muscle injury, while David Alaba remains sidelined due to a groin issue.
Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold may return to the matchday squad, though neither is expected to be fully match-sharp.
As a result, Federico Valverde is once again expected to fill at right-back, with Raúl Asencio partnering at centre-back.
Despite a late cramp in midweek, Asencio is fit to start.
Going forward, Xabi Alonso is expected to field a dynamic front line of Kylian Mbappé, VinÃcius Júnior and Franco Mastantuono or Rodrygo, with Bellingham pushing into advanced spaces as the late-arriving protagonist.
Mbappé enters the fixture with an elite record against Barcelona - 11 goals in eight previous meetings, including decisive performances.
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Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to grapple with major injury absences.
Robert Lewandowski, Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi and Dani Olmo are all confirmed out.
Jules Koundé is a doubt after missing recent training, while Raphinha has lost the race to recover from a hamstring issue.
The likely attacking structure sees Ferran Torres leading the line, with Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford forming the creative support behind him.
Yamal was instrumental against Madrid last season, registering five goal involvements across the four victories.
At the back, Ronald Araújo is expected to marshal the defence alongside Pau CubarsÃ, with Eric GarcÃa possibly shifting to right-back if Koundé fails a late test.
Given Barcelona’s injury constraints, their performance will hinge heavily on ball retention, midfield balance, and transitions led by Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Key Pointers
- Real Madrid have won eight consecutive home league matches, their best run since 2015
- Barcelona have scored more goals than any other La Liga side so far this season
- Real Madrid have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven home El Clásicos
- Barcelona’s last six matches in all competitions have seen both teams score
Matches between these two rarely lack intensity, emotion and goals.
Given Real Madrid’s attacking firepower, Barcelona’s defensive inconsistencies, and recent head-to-head goal patterns, the likelihood of both teams scoring is high.
Barcelona’s absentees in attack reduce their ceiling but do not eliminate their threat, especially with Fermin Lopez and Rashford in form.
Real Madrid’s current momentum, home advantage, and greater squad availability place them slightly ahead. However, Barcelona’s resilience and ability to hit back suggest this game may be too finely poised to call a clean victory.
Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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