The iconic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys will provide the stage for Sunday’s latest edition of El Clásico, as La Liga leaders Barcelona take on arch-rivals Real Madrid in a match that could prove decisive in the race for the Spanish title.
Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga table, holding a four-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid. With just a handful of games remaining, Carlo Ancelotti’s side must claim victory this weekend if they are to realistically challenge the Catalans for the title.
Hansi Flick’s men enter the high-stakes clash reeling from a dramatic Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan. Despite leading late in the second leg, Barcelona were edged out 7-6 on aggregate, with Inter equalising in stoppage time and sealing victory in extra time.
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Although European heartbreak still lingers, Barcelona have enjoyed a successful domestic season, having already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey in 2025. Securing the La Liga crown would complete a remarkable treble.
The Blaugrana are in fine form in the league, winning their last four matches, including a narrow 2-1 win over Real Valladolid last weekend. With Espanyol, Villarreal, and Athletic Bilbao remaining on their fixture list, even a draw on Sunday would leave Barcelona in a commanding position. A defeat, however, would reignite Real Madrid’s hopes.
Flick’s side boast a psychological edge, having beaten Real Madrid three times already this season — including a thumping 4-0 away win at the Bernabéu in October. They also triumphed over Los Blancos in both the Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals.
While a defeat on Sunday wouldn’t mathematically eliminate Real Madrid from title contention, a win is arguably essential. Their season so far has been underwhelming, having crashed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Arsenal and suffering Copa del Rey heartbreak at the hands of Barcelona.
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Changes are expected at the Bernabéu this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso tipped to take over from Ancelotti, who is rumoured to be considering a move to Saudi Arabia.
Unlike Barcelona, Real Madrid have had a full week to prepare, having last played in a 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo. They, too, are on a four-match winning run in La Liga, with three clean sheets along the way.
Los Blancos will be buoyed by memories of last season’s win in the corresponding fixture, where they edged Barcelona 2-1. A repeat performance could breathe fresh life into the title race.
