Barcelona will look to protect their perfect La Liga record when they host Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday, October 25.
Hansi Flick’s side have won all nine league matches, but face a Madrid team desperate to close the six-point gap at the summit.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Head-to-Head record
Barcelona and Real Madrid have met 264 times, with both sides recording 106 wins and 52 draws.
In La Liga, Madrid lead with 80 victories to Barcelona’s 77, alongside 35 draws.
Barcelona have won six of their last seven meetings with Madrid, including a 2-0 victory in last season’s corresponding league fixture.
Barcelona – Flick’s unbeaten league leaders face a test
Barcelona have won their opening nine La Liga matches, collecting 27 points and sitting five points above second-placed Atletico Madrid.
They beat Real Betis 5-2 before suffering a 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Lamine Yamal has registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 12 appearances this term, making him a major threat.
Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia are ruled out through injury, while Jules Kounde is a doubt. Barcelona will need to manage their defensive absences carefully against Kylian Mbappe.
Probable line-up for Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Anthony Gordon; Raphinha.
Real Madrid – Jose Mourinho’s side aim to cut the gap
Real Madrid have won four consecutive matches across all competitions since their defeat to Atletico Madrid, beating Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla and RB Leipzig.
Their latest result was a convincing 4-1 Champions League victory over Leipzig, following an identical scoreline against Sevilla.
Los Blancos sit third in La Liga on 21 points and cannot afford another setback if they want to keep pace with Barcelona.
Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are unavailable through injury, while Vinicius Junior is suspended. Mbappe will lead Jose Mourinho’s attack.
Probable line-up for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande; Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Key Stats
- Barcelona have won all nine of their opening La Liga matches
- Real Madrid have collected 21 points from nine league games
- Lamine Yamal has recorded 20 goal contributions in 12 appearances
- Barcelona have won six of their last seven meetings with Madrid
- Flick has won six of his seven Clasicos against Real Madrid
Prediction: Barcelona to edge an entertaining clasico
Barcelona’s attacking quality and home advantage give Flick’s side a slight edge, particularly with Yamal in outstanding form.
However, Madrid’s four consecutive victories suggest they are ready to exploit any defensive uncertainty caused by Barcelona’s absentees.
Mbappe’s pace behind Barca’s notoriously high defensive line and Jude Bellingham’s movement between the lines could trouble the hosts.
Meanwhile, Madrid must contain Yamal and Raphinha to avoid being overwhelmed.