Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | La Liga, 2025

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Preview

Tournament: La Liga

Date: Sunday, 11th May

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Kick-off Time: 2:15 PM GMT

In the weekend's showdown, Barcelona are set to host Real Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday, which can be termed as the title decider for La Liga. Four points separate both sides in the table, and each of them would be pretty ferocious considering the situation they are in.

Barcelona currently sits at the top of the table with 79 points in 34 games that they have played so far. Out of the 34, they have won 25, drawn four, and lost five. Manager Hansi Flick has completely transformed the side that he took from former manager Xavi. The following 4-3-3 style that Flick has put in place emphasises numerical advantage in build-up play and a more straightforward strategy when playing against opponents under pressure. Alejandro Balde's movement higher into a wing-back position and Jules Kounde's rotation into a back three have been crucial tactical changes that have essentially created a 3-4-3 configuration in possession. Barcelona has been able to retain attack breadth while controlling midfield areas thanks to this. The concern is that both Balde and Kounde are unavailable for the fixture, and the manager has to adapt with Gerard Martin and Ronald Araujo as he did against Inter. Flick’s emphasis on quick ball progression and exploiting second-ball situations has made Barcelona a formidable force this season.

The players will be tired and mentally on the back foot as they come into this game after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the hands of Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan. In the league, they have not lost a single game this year and have staged various comebacks in crucial games against Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be looking to perform and close the point gap to one point and put Flick's side under pressure for the remaining leg of the league. They are placed second in the table with 75 points. They have won 23, drawn six, and lost five out of the 34 they have played. Although they have dominated possession thanks to manager Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-3 formation, their midfield consistency has been a worry, particularly after Toni Kroos retired. Defensive weaknesses have been one of their main problems, especially when important players like Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal have been injured. Their defensive structure has been inconsistent as a result of Carlo Ancelotti's many tactical tweaks. Furthermore, Real Madrid has occasionally depended too heavily on individual skill rather than a coordinated offensive approach, even after Kylian Mbappé joined the team. Their attacking style has become predictable as a result of this over-reliance, making it simpler to counter well-organised teams.

The team have reportedly begun to criticise Carlo Ancelotti's tactical style, with certain players reportedly losing faith in his method. Concerns have been voiced over Madrid's capacity to maintain their championship push due to their faith in underperforming players and lack of a distinct attacking identity.

Barcelona Team News

Hansi Flick would have certain problems to address before the game, as the players come into this game after a 120-minute game in midweek against Inter Milan.

He is already without the services of Daniel Rodrigues, Jules Kounde, Marc Bernal, and Marc Cassado. Pablo Torre, Alejandro Balde, and also remain a doubt for this fixture. Flick would be heavily reliant on the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, and Frenkie de Jong to see this fixture through on winning terms.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti's side has been struggling with physical problems throughout the season, and this game would be no different. He will be without his key defenders in Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also out with a tendon injury and is expected to be fit by June. Ancelotti will have to trust Tchouameni in the central defence alongside Raul Asencio, and Fede Valverde might play as a right-back, considering the problems they have faced this season.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Predicted Lineups

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Szcesny

Defenders: Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde

Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri, Olmo

Forwards: Yamal, Raphinha, Torres

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Vasquez, Asencio, Tchouameni, Garcia

Midfielders: Valverde, Ceballos, Bellingham, Guler

Forwards: Mbappe, Vinicius

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record

Throughout their history, these two Spanish rivals have faced off in 260 competitive games. Real Madrid has won 105 of the games, while Barcelona has won 103. Real Madrid has won two of the past five matches between these two teams, while Barcelona has won three of them.

Key Players to Watch in Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

This season, Lamine Yamal has excelled for Barcelona, displaying technical skill and poise that belies his age. Even though he is just 17, he has already made a significant contribution to several Clásico matches, notably setting up two important goals in Barcelona's 3-2 triumph against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Yamal is a continual danger because of his ability to take advantage of openings on the right side and produce accurate crosses. Throughout the season, his composure in high-pressure circumstances has been demonstrated, and his fast feet and vision enable him to disrupt defensive sets. Yamal, who has six goals and twelve assists in the league, will be essential to Barcelona's offensive shifts.

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

With 36 goals in all competitions this season, Kylian Mbappé has become Real Madrid's most prolific goal scorer. He is a continual danger because of his ability to use movement and speed to take advantage of defensive spaces, particularly in crucial games like El Clásico.

Mbappé has demonstrated his capacity to perform in pivotal situations by scoring against Barcelona in both the Copa del Rey championship match and the Supercopa de España final. His coordination with Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior has been crucial to Madrid's offensive transitions, enabling them to effectively disrupt defensive sets.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid vs Barcelona's El Clásico is expected to be a pivotal match in the La Liga championship contest. Barcelona has dominated previous meetings with Madrid, winning four of their past five games to take a four-point lead in the table. Their depth of attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, has proven essential in dismantling defensive formations.

However, Real Madrid is still a powerful team because of the constant attacking pressure from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Madrid's ability to grind out results keeps them in the running even while key defenders are injured.

Predicted Score: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid

Where to Watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid Live?