'Bragging Rights': Real Madrid Look To Snap Four-Game El Clasico Losing Streak As Barcelona Come Visiting

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of football's most iconic clubs, are set to clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday in the first El Clásico of the 2025-26 La Liga season. The match holds immense significance, with Real Madrid eager to end their four-game losing streak against their Catalan rivals.

Real Madrid enters the match as league leaders with 24 points from nine matches, fueled by the impressive form of Kylian Mbappé. However, Barcelona is close behind, sitting in second place with 22 points. This places even greater importance on this match, as a victory for Barcelona would see them overtake Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings.

The recent history of El Clásico matches has been dominated by Barcelona, who have won the last four encounters, scoring 16 goals in the process. Last season, Barcelona secured a domestic treble, defeating Real Madrid twice in La Liga, as well as in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals. One of those La Liga wins was particularly emphatic, with Barcelona dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid, now managed by Xabi Alonso, will be keen to avenge those defeats and reassert their dominance in Spanish football. "Los Blancos" have been in impressive form this season, with Mbappé leading a ruthless attack. They aim to reclaim the league title from Barcelona.

However, Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, have proven to be a formidable opponent in recent Clásicos. Flick, though, will be absent from the sidelines for this game, serving a suspension after receiving a red card in the previous match. Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will take his place.

Both teams have injury concerns heading into the match. Real Madrid will be without Antonio Rüdiger due to a muscle injury. However, they receive a boost with the return of defenders Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal. Barcelona, on the other hand, have a more extensive injury list, with Raphinha, Marc-André ter Stegen, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and Joan Garcia all ruled out. Marcus Rashford is expected to play a key role for Barcelona in Raphinha's absence. Jules Kounde's availability is also uncertain.

Despite Barcelona's injury woes, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Real Madrid will rely on the attacking prowess of Mbappé, while Barcelona will look to the likes of Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford to provide the spark in attack. The midfield battle between Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Barcelona's Pedri will also be crucial.

Real Madrid leads in head-to-head results in official competitive matches with 105 wins to Barcelona's 104, with 52 draws as of the match played on May 11, 2025.

The match kicks off at 4:15 PM CET.