Date: Sunday, October 26th, 2025
Kick-off: 3:15 PM
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Referee:
Goal Scorer:
Team Updates and Tactical Preview
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are hopeful of reintegrating vital defensive players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen for their Sunday fixture. Unfortunately, Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined due to a significant muscle injury, ruling him out of this clash.
David Alaba continues to recover from a groin problem, but there is positive news as Dani Ceballos is expected to make a comeback. The squad has fortunately avoided any new injuries ahead of this pivotal encounter.
Due to limited defensive options, Federico Valverde is likely to maintain his role at right-back, while Raul Asencio is anticipated to start at center-back after being substituted late in the Juventus game because of cramps rather than injury.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham, who netted his first goal of the season against Juventus, will aim to bolster the attack alongside Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior.
Expected Real Madrid Starting XI:
Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius
Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong has returned to training after overcoming a recent illness and is projected to start. However, Jules Kounde’s availability is doubtful following his absence from recent sessions due to a knock.
Raphinha’s hamstring injury persists, as evidenced by his missed training on Friday, which dampens Barcelona’s hopes of deploying their winger in this match.
Key players Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo will be unavailable, opening opportunities for Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Marcus Rashford to spearhead the attack behind Ferran Torres.
If Kounde is ruled out, Ronald Araujo is expected to partner Pau Cubarsi in central defense, with Eric Garcia potentially shifting to right-back.
Projected Barcelona Starting XI:
Szczesny; E Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran
Match Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona