With their UEFA Champions League exit still lingering in the background, FC Barcelona now turn their full attention to sealing consecutive La Liga titles as they prepare to host fierce rivals Real Madrid on Sunday. Holding an 11-point advantage at the top, Hansi Flick’s side requires only a draw in El Clásico to secure the title. However, a win against a struggling Madrid outfit would not only confirm their dominance but also keep them on track for a historic finish.
Should Barcelona win their remaining four league fixtures, beginning with this high-stakes clash, they would equal the record of 100 points in a single La Liga season. That milestone was first set by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2011-12 and matched the following year by Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona.
In contrast, Madrid’s campaign has spiralled across multiple competitions. The club parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso midway through the season, and his successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, has struggled to halt their decline, leaving them on course for a second straight trophyless year.
Their setbacks include a quarterfinal exit in the Champions League against Bayern Munich and an early elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Albacete Balompié. Now, their immediate aim is to delay Barcelona’s title celebrations by securing another win over Flick’s side this season. Adding to their troubles, Madrid head into the Clásico amid reports of unrest within the squad. Federico Valverde is said to have required stitches following a training-ground altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, one of several incidents highlighting growing tensions in the camp.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 263
- Barcelona Won: 105
- Real Madrid Won: 107
- No Result: 51
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Team News
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will be facing the Los Blancos without their teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who is out for nearly four weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury. But the good news for Barca is that Andreas Christensen returned to training after an extended absence due to a knee injury. Brazilian winger Raphinha was also named on the bench last weekend following his recovery, though he did not feature in the victory over Osasuna that took Barcelona to the verge of securing the title.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid is still assessing whether their leading scorer, Kylian Mbappe, will be available after recovering from a hamstring concern. There is positive news on Thibaut Courtois, who has been declared fit and is expected to return, providing a major boost.
However, Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Arda Guler, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao have all been sidelined due to injuries. Federico Valverde will also be unavailable after sustaining a head injury during an altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, with the club confirming he could be out for up to two weeks.
Meanwhile, Tchouameni trained on Friday and remains in contention to feature at Camp Nou this weekend.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted Starting XI
Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Rashford, Gavi, Fermin; Lewandowski
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Pitarch; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
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Story first published: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 19:54 [IST]
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