As anticipation builds across Spain, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu prepares to host another chapter of El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Sunday, 26 October 2025, with kick-off set for 16:15 CET. The Spanish capital is expected to be at full capacity for one of the season’s defining fixtures, as both teams enter the contest near the top of the La Liga standings, separated by only a few points. This clash comes at a pivotal moment in the campaign, and the atmosphere around Madrid is already electric with fans eager to see which side will impose dominance early in the title race.
Real Madrid approach this encounter with a few concerns in their defensive line. Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined due to a muscular issue, and David Alaba continues his recovery after knee problems, forcing Xabi Alonso to reshuffle his back four. Dani Carvajal, recently returning from minor discomfort, is expected to feature but may not complete the full match. In midfield, Jude Bellingham is fully fit and set to anchor Madrid’s creativity, supported by veterans like Luka Modrić and Federico Valverde. On the bench, players such as Joselu and Brahim Díaz will provide attacking alternatives if the hosts need a late spark.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are still battling an injury crisis that has plagued their early season. Robert Lewandowski is ruled out with a thigh strain, while Gavi’s long-term absence continues to limit options in midfield. Marc-André ter Stegen remains unavailable, leaving Iñaki Peña likely to start in goal. Coach Hansi Flick is expected to rely heavily on young talents like Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, alongside Raphinha, who has recently returned to training. The substitutes’ bench will feature several academy players as the Catalan side adjusts to their depleted roster.
From a tactical perspective, Real Madrid under Alonso have shown a balanced 4-2-3-1 system that transitions smoothly between possession and counter-attacks. They will look to control the rhythm through midfield stability while exploiting wide spaces through Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Barcelona, true to Flick’s philosophy, will maintain a high defensive line and press aggressively, trying to force turnovers in advanced areas despite recent defensive lapses. Much of the pre-match discussion has focused on whether Barcelona’s youthful energy can withstand Madrid’s experience in high-pressure moments.
In the build-up, the Spanish press has been relentless in its coverage. Newspapers in Madrid describe this as a test of Alonso’s tactical maturity and his side’s composure in front of their home crowd. Catalan outlets, on the other hand, focus on Flick’s bold decision-making amid an injury crisis, suggesting that a draw could be considered a victory given the circumstances. Analysts in television studios remain divided: some back Madrid’s home advantage and squad depth, while others point to Barcelona’s attacking flair as a potential game-changer. Most agree, however, that this edition of El Clásico will be defined not by spectacle alone, but by who best adapts to the weight of the occasion.
Watch and Download Real Madrid vs Barcelona full match replay and highlights, At Sunday, October 26, 2025. The match played at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, in LaLiga, Spain.
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