The Catalan giants, in Flick’s first season in Spain last year, secured a full set of domestic trophies. This season, they confidently won the Super Cup, but in the Copa del Rey and then in the Champions League, they lost in the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively to Atletico. The league remained, but by mid-spring, defending the title was no longer in doubt.
In the capital, 2025 ended without any trophies. The new season didn’t go better — neither Xabi Alonso, nor Arbeloa, who replaced him after the Super Cup loss in winter, proved successful. Under Alvaro, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by modest Albacete and lost to Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals. In La Liga, they managed to get to the top by spring, but only for one round — subsequent setbacks effectively ended their hopes of staying first. There was a draw with Betis, but they did beat Espanyol.
The champions are still performing very well, averaging 2.62 goals scored and only 0.91 conceded per match. Their eternal rivals have slightly weaker stats: scoring 2.09 and conceding 0.94 per game.
Previous matches: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
In the last six “El Clasico” encounters, Yamal and company won four times in regular time and, in the 2025 cup final, with a goal from Kounde in extra time. Only in the autumn did Real win at home.
It won’t be entirely trouble-free for the hosts. But they should still defeat their old rival (odds – 1.65).
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Key Stats and Trends
Barcelona have won nine of their last ten matches
59% of Barcelona’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 3.53
Real Madrid have won only two out of their last seven games
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Probable Starting Lineups
Barcelona are expected to play a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Garcia – Joao Cancelo, Martin, Cubarsi, Kounde – Pedri, Garcia – Gavi, Olmo, Torres – Lewandowski. Raphinha is still out, and Yamal is also injured.
Real Madrid are likely to use a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Lunin – Carreras, Heysen, Militao, Alexander-Arnold – Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Valverde – Vinicius Junior, Mbappe. Courtois may return, but Mbappe could miss out.
