Football review Real Madrid vs Barca: Dramatic El Clasico

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will become the center of world football, where the whole world will be amazed by the confrontation between Real Madrid and Barcelona .

Last season, in 4 meetings, Barca won and scored 16 goals against rival Real Madrid.

EFE - Mbappe Getafe Real Madrid 0 1.jpg — Real Madrid waits for a difference from Mbappe. Photo: EFE

“That is the past, we have to look forward,” Hansi Flick told the media. That was also the message he had for the Barca players.

There have been a lot of changes between the two teams. Real Madrid, through the transition between Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso, are playing a completely different brand of football.

Meanwhile, Barca are more vulnerable. The loss of Inigo Martinez has greatly affected the “Blaugrana” style of play, as their pressing ability is not as required by Hansi Flick.

In Flick’s first year in La Liga , Barca’s high-pressing system always caught opponents offside. In the early games of the 2025/26 season, the offside trap was a big problem for the Catalans, causing them trouble on several occasions.

After beating Juventus 1-0 in the Champions League, a match in which Xabi Alonso had his heart broken many times, Real Madrid welcomed back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen.

However, the ability of Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal to start is still a big question mark. However, center-back Raul Asencio has no serious problems and can completely start.

There is a big question mark for Xabi Alonso: should Camavinga or Mastantuono start? This decision will have a big impact on Real Madrid's operating system.

If Camavinga is chosen, Real Madrid will have solidity and the ability to win the ball back. The Frenchman will create balance next to his compatriot Tchouameni, allowing Arda G u ler and Jude Bellingham more space to join the attack.

EFE - Yamal Barca Olympiacos.jpg — Yamal leads Barca's attack. Photo: EFE

In that case, Bellingham could operate almost as a withdrawn striker, with more freedom in defensive duties - just like the win over Juve .

Mastantuono, on the other hand, Alonso’s preference in the early weeks of the season, means the team is more attack-minded. The Argentine could be the surprise package that breaks the Barca mould, which has seen plenty of space between full-back and winger.

For his part, Flick lost Raphinha, Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo and Gavi. He only had time to welcome back Ferran Torres.

Ferran Torres can reach 100% fitness in time to play as a striker. At that time, Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford support from the wings.

The Clasico will be very tense. Even a small mistake can cost a lot.

Force:

Real Madrid: Rudiger, Alaba injured.

Barca: Ter Stegen, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo and Gavi are injured.

Expected lineup:

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) : Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Gu ler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbapp e.

Barca (4-3-3): Szczesny ; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Rashford.

Match odds: Real Madrid handicap 1/2

Goal ratio: 3 3/4

Prediction: 2-2 draw.