Rabat – Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to Spotify Camp Nou tonight in one of the most anticipated matches of the season, with both teams meeting in Matchday 10 of LaLiga.
Hansi Flick’s side lead the standings with 27 points after winning all nine league matches, while Madrid sit third with 21 points.
The teams enter the encounter following contrasting Champions League results. Barcelona suffered a 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, while Madrid secured a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The match also marks Mourinho’s first El Clasico since returning to Real Madrid in June.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Mourinho insisted that recent results would have little influence on the match, describing El Clasico as a unique occasion.
Flick, meanwhile, acknowledged Madrid’s attacking quality, saying victory would mean more than simply collecting three points.
Match Details
Fixture: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Competition: LaLiga Matchday 10
Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
Date: Sunday, October 25
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. GMT (9:00 p.m. Morocco time)
How to watch: beIN Sports in Morocco and across the Middle East and North Africa. Streaming is available through TOD and beIN CONNECT.
Barcelona Team News
Injuries/Absences: Flick faces defensive concerns, with Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen unavailable.
Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji are also sidelined, while Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong have returned from injury.
The absences could see young defender Xavi Espart start at right-back, with Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin forming the central defensive partnership.
Key Players: Lamine Yamal remains Barcelona’s main attacking threat, while Raphinha and Anthony Gordon provide additional options.
Pedri and Rodri are expected to control midfield, with Fermin Lopez operating in a more advanced position.
Likely XI: Joan Garcia; Espart, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha.
Real Madrid Team News
Injuries/Absences: Mourinho will be without Vinicius Junior, who remains suspended following his red card against Villarreal.
Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are also unavailable, although Eder Militao has returned to the squad.
Yan Diomande could replace Vinicius on the left wing, while Federico Valverde may continue at right-back.
Key Players: Kylian Mbappe will lead Madrid’s attack, supported by Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Diomande.
Bernardo Silva and Aurelien Tchouameni offer midfield balance, while Moroccan international Brahim Diaz provides another attacking option from the bench.
Likely XI: Courtois; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe.
What to Expect
Barcelona will likely seek to dominate possession through Pedri and Rodri, relying on their high defensive line and aggressive pressing to disrupt Madrid’s attacks.
However, their defensive absences could create opportunities for Mbappe and Diomande, particularly during quick counterattacks.
Yamal’s movement on the right could also challenge Madrid’s defence, while Mourinho will look to exploit the spaces left behind Barcelona’s advancing full-backs.
The midfield battle could prove decisive, with both sides possessing players capable of controlling the tempo and creating opportunities.
Barcelona have the advantage of home support and stronger domestic form, but Madrid arrive with confidence following four consecutive victories across all competitions.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
