New Delhi: Barcelona are set to host Real Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys on Sunday afternoon in a high-stakes El Clasico that could define the La Liga title race. With just four points separating the two Spanish giants at the top of the table, this clash is a must-win for the visitors if they are to keep their title hopes alive.
The hosts come into this fixture on the back of a heartbreaking UEFA Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan. Despite leading 3-2 on the night and briefly taking the aggregate lead in the 87th minute, Barcelona conceded a stoppage-time equaliser and then fell short in extra time, losing 7-6 over two legs. However, Hansi Flick’s men will aim to put that disappointment behind them and focus on wrapping up a domestic treble, having already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey earlier this year.
Barcelona have won each of their last four La Liga games, including a narrow 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid last weekend, and they still control their fate with fixtures against Espanyol, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao remaining. Even a draw on Sunday would keep them firmly in pole position, but a win would almost certainly put the title beyond Real Madrid’s reach.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid had the luxury of a full week’s rest after their 3-2 win over Celta Vigo last weekend, and they have also won four league games on the bounce, keeping three clean sheets in the process. However, Ancelotti’s side will be desperate to avoid ending the season with just the UEFA Super Cup, having suffered a Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal and a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.
On the last episode of #ElClásico… pic.twitter.com/Za82AM7xyJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 11, 2025
With speculation mounting around Carlo Ancelotti’s future and Xabi Alonso tipped as his successor, Los Blancos need a statement win to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals. They have history on their side too, having won two of their last three league meetings against Barca, including a 2-1 win in this fixture last season.
Will Barcelona move one step closer to sealing a memorable domestic treble, or can Real Madrid throw the title race wide open with a statement victory? Before the drama unfolds, let’s take a closer look at which team holds the edge heading into this titanic showdown.
Team News
Barcelona have received a timely boost with Alejandro Balde returning to training after a hamstring injury, though he is expected to start on the bench. Robert Lewandowski, who also returned from a hamstring issue against Inter, is set to be among the substitutes again. Inigo Martinez is fit despite a recent muscular concern, but Jules Kounde and Marc Bernal are ruled out, while Pablo Torre and Marc Casado remain doubtful. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is available again, but Wojciech Szczesny is likely to retain his place in goal.
For Real Madrid, defensive issues continue with Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao all out for the season. Eduardo Camavinga is also sidelined. Rodrygo has recovered from illness, but Arda Guler is expected to start after impressing last time out. Federico Valverde may slot in at right-back with Modric and Ceballos in midfield and Bellingham operating further forward behind Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid and Barcelona have faced off 260 times across all competitions, with Los Blancos narrowly edging the head-to-head with 105 wins compared to Barcelona’s 103 while 52 encounters have ended in draws. The Catalan giants, however, have had the upper hand recently, winning each of their last three clashes against Madrid in all competitions, a feat they have only bettered once in their history by winning four in a row.
Barcelona have been in dominant attacking form in these recent encounters, scoring 12 goals across those three victories this season alone. That said, Real Madrid boast a strong recent away record in this fixture, winning four of their last five games at Camp Nou in all competitions as many as they had managed in their previous 19 visits combined.
Predicted lineup
FC Barcelona: Szczesny; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Tchouameni, F Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
When, where, and how to watch the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid match in India?
As FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are all set to lock horns at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys at 7:45 pm, fans can live stream the match on FanCode.
Match Prediction
Barcelona have thrived under Hansi Flick but will be hurting from their last defeat at the hands of Inter Milan in the UCL. Lamine Yamal has been a revelation for the hosts this season and will definitely look to make a mark this weekend. Real Madrid have failed to achieve consistent form this season but possess an excellent squad. Barca have been the better team this season and hold an upper edge over the Los Blancos.
Final Scoreline: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
FC Barcelona are set to host Real Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tonight for the La Liga clash. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
