Barcelona and Real Madrid are preparing for another blockbuster El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, with both sides boasting some of the finest players in world football.
Hansi Flick’s men head into the encounter with a six-point advantage in La Liga, and their impressive performances this season have seen them enjoy a perfect record.
Barcelona have looked seemingly unstoppable in La Liga and, aside from their midweek defeat to PSG in the Champions League, have not dropped a single point.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have had a mixed start under Jose Mourinho, who has returned for a second stint at the club.
The Portuguese manager, however, has seemingly started to figure things out, especially in the last couple of weeks.
Barça‘s performances this season see them dominate the combined XI with nine players, while Real Madrid have limited representation.
Here is how the two teams combine in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Defence
Joan Garcia gets the nod between the posts ahead of Thibaut Courtois.
The Barça goalkeeper’s distribution, reflexes and comfort playing behind a high defensive line make him an excellent fit.
Even though the Belgian is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Joan has started the season better and deserves the spot.
At centre-back, Pau Cubarsi is an automatic selection. The youngster’s composure, positioning and ability to break opposition lines with his passing have made him essential to Flick’s system.
Pau Cubarsi is ahead of every Barcelona defender. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
He has continued his strong form after an impressive World Cup during the summer. Alongside him, none of the Madrid options have done enough to warrant a place ahead of Gerard Martin.
The Spaniard earns his place thanks to his defensive discipline, versatility and the excellent partnership he has forged with Cubarsi.
Xavi Espart has enjoyed a breakthrough in recent months at Barça and looked at home at right-back against PSG in midweek.
Both of Madrid’s right-back options, Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold, seemingly lack the trust of Jose Mourinho, with Fede Valverde preferred as a makeshift option.
Xavi has done enough to walk into this XI comfortably ahead of any of Madrid’s players. On the opposite flank, Joao Cancelo has been in excellent form barring a minor blip against PSG.
That, coupled with Marc Cucurella’s poor performances since his summer move to Madrid and Alvaro Carreras’ limited game time, makes the Portugal international the ideal choice for this XI.
Midfield
Midfield has always been a department where Barcelona have had the upper hand over Real Madrid, and right now, it is not even a contest.
Rodri and Pedri provide an outstanding balance of control, intelligence and defensive security at the base of midfield and start in the combined XI.
Rodri’s positioning and ability to recover possession allow Pedri to dictate the tempo and create opportunities further forward.
Madrid, on the other hand, are still trying to find their perfect defensive midfield combination, with no particularly impressive options.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham becomes the first Los Blancos star to get into this XI and takes the attacking midfield position ahead of Fermin Lopez.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI
The Englishman’s physicality, late runs into the penalty area and goalscoring instincts add a different dimension, much like Fermin.
Attack
The right-wing position is a no-brainer. Lamine Yamal is the obvious choice. His dribbling, vision and ability to unlock compact defences make him one of Barcelona’s most influential players.
He has been in sensational form since the start of the season and would walk into this XI ahead of any player from the two squads put together.
On the left, Kylian Mbappe gets the nod as the second Madrid representative in the team.
The Frenchman is simply too talented to leave out of a combined XI, even if accommodating him means shifting him away from his preferred central role.
That is because Raphinha deserves to lead the line. The Barcelona captain has been the better performer this season.
He has combined goalscoring with relentless pressing, intelligent movement and a remarkable influence on Flick’s attacking system.
Mbappe remains an extraordinary individual talent, but Raphinha’s overall contribution and current form give him the edge for the central position.
The Los Blancos star would therefore have to adjust to the left flank, a role he is more than capable of playing.
Nine Barcelona players in a combined Clasico XI is a strong statement, but it reflects the balance, cohesion and individual quality Flick has at his disposal.
Sunday’s Clasico will provide the real test, and Barcelona have the opportunity to show why so many of their players deserve a place in this team.