There is more than just bragging rights on the line. Real come into the affair atop La Liga with a two-point cushion to second-placed Barcelona, who could unseat their arch-rivals with a win on Sunday.
Real edged past Juventus on Wednesday to continue their flawless start to the Champions League campaign. Jude Bellingham hit the winner for Los Blancos, his first goal since returning from shoulder surgery.
That result took Real to four consecutive wins, their record unblemished since they were stunned by cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid last month.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are looking to build on Tuesday’s 6-1 thrashing of ten-man Olympiacos. Marcus Rashford’s brace and Lamine Yamal’s spot kick complemented Fermin Lopez’s hat-trick to keep the Blaugrana’s momentum high ahead of a crunch Clasico.
They won all four of last season’s Clasico meetings and will be keen to extend that run.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are both in contention to feature for Real Madrid. The pair are on the road to recovery and returned to training this week, but may not be ready to start.
Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are both out, though Dean Huijsen, who had been struggling with a muscular injury, is expected to be involved.
Barcelona are in the midst of a worrying injury crisis. They will be without star striker Robert Lewandowski for the match, while Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all sidelined, too.
With Raphinha ruled out, it means Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is in line to start after hitting a brace in the Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Hansi Flick will not be in the dugout on Sunday as he serves a touchline ban for being shown a red card against Girona.
This should prove to be a fascinating Clasic meeting as both sides come into the affair somewhat depleted.
Barcelona are without some of their best players and their manager has a touchline ban, but Real are also far from perfect. They may be on a four-match winning run, but their performances have not all been convincing.
Real’s 5-1 loss to Atletico last month will serve as a blueprint for Barcelona, who have remained free-scoring despite missing Lewandowski. The Balugrana’s depth and form should see them through this derby.
