A season-defining El Clasico awaits on Sunday afternoon as FC Barcelona host Real Madrid at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, with the LaLiga title race on a knife edge. Hansi Flick’s side lead their great rivals by four points with just four games remaining, and another win could effectively seal the crown.
Barcelona will enter Matchday 35 with confidence high after a scintillating 4-0 reverse fixture win at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this season. Unbeaten in LaLiga since the beginning of 2025 and boasting an impressive +19.83 xG differential over their last nine league outings, the Catalan giants are a team in sync, both tactically and mentally.
Flick’s pressing 4-2-3-1 system has revitalised the Blaugrana, with youngsters from La Masia—most notably 17-year-old Lamine Yamal—seamlessly integrated into a high-energy side. Pedri and De Jong pull the strings from midfield, and the potential return of Alejandro Balde from injury could offer added width and pace down the left.
However, Flick faces a crucial decision up front. While Robert Lewandowski has scored 11 goals in 17 Clasicos, fatigue may see Ferran Torres deployed as a false nine to enhance pressing against Madrid’s deep build-up.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, come into the clash wounded but dangerous. Despite their stuttering form and 4-0 embarrassment in the last meeting, Carlo Ancelotti’s men possess explosive potential in attack—especially following Kylian Mbappé’s high-profile arrival.
Madrid’s likely 4-4-2/4-3-3 shape will rely heavily on pace and power. Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé offer a counter-attacking threat capable of punishing Barcelona’s high line, especially if fullbacks like Eric Garcia are exposed.
Ancelotti may shuffle his midfield, with Jude Bellingham expected to play a more advanced role, drifting into pockets behind Mbappe. Madrid’s defensive stability could be tested, particularly against Barcelona’s fluid front line.
With the title within touching distance for Barcelona and pride on the line for Real Madrid, Sunday’s showdown promises not only drama but potentially decisive consequences for Spanish football’s most storied rivalry.