JUMP TO:
Barcelona clash with Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season on Sunday.
The Catalans battled to a 2-1 derby win last weekend over Girona thanks to Ronald Araujo’s 93rd-minute goal. The result was something of a relief to Hansi Flick after back-to-back losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla prior to the October international break.
In the UEFA Champions League this week, they thrashed Olympiacos 6-1 as Fermin Lopez scored a hat-trick and Marcus Rashford netted twice, meaning they head into Sunday’s game in the capital in positive spirits.
Head coach Hansi Flick also hopes to have one or two first-team stars returning from injury as the champions attempt to take all three points and claim top spot in the standings.
MORE: El Clasico: History of rivalry and all-time head-to-head between Barcelona and Real Madrid
Barcelona lineup vs. Real Madrid: Projected starting XI
Szczesny (GK)
Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde
De Jong, Casado
Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Lopez
Rashford
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Barcelona team news
Flick is not likely to make too many alterations to the team that thrashed Olympiacos, unless one or two players are given the medical all-clear to return this weekend.
Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford are believed to have played their way into the starting lineup after their performances in midweek, although Ferran Torres could get the nod at No. 9 if he has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring strain. It is also hoped that Raphinha will at least make the matchday squad after a lay-off with a similar issue.
Wojciech Szczesny will likely keep his place in goal as Joan Garcia is not expected back until November. Ronald Araujo could come into the back four in place of Eric Garcia.
Frenkie de Jong should return to the lineup to partner Marc Casado, with Pedri deployed as the No. 10, assuming neither Torres nor Raphinha is able to start.
MORE: Breaking down the prize money on offer in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League
Barcelona injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Barcelona, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Joan Garcia
- Injury: Meniscus tear (left knee)
- Expected return date: November 2025
Garcia required arthroscopic surgery on a damaged meniscus in September. The goalkeeper is expected to return in early November.
Gavi
- Injury: Meniscus damage (right knee)
- Expected return date: February 2026
Gavi suffered damage to his right knee during an August training session. The midfielder avoided an ACL tear but required surgery to repair the meniscus. He’s expected to face five months on the sidelines.
Robert Lewandowski
- Injury: Hamstring (left leg)
- Expected return date: November 2025
Lewandowski’s latest muscle issue is expected to see him miss a few weeks, so he could be back just before the November international break.
Dani Olmo
- Injury: Calf (left leg)
- Expected return date: November 2025
Olmo sustained a calf injury with Spain during the October international break. It’s estimated he will be back in the early part of November.
Raphinha
- Injury: Hamstring (right leg)
- Expected return date: October 26
Raphinha was expected to be out for three weeks, although a small setback saw him miss the Girona game. Flick hopes he will be ready for the Clasico on October 26.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
- Injury: Lower back
- Expected return date: Uncertain
Ter Stegen’s back surgery in July sparked a mini crisis at Barca, who stripped him of the captaincy before reinstating him after accepting his version of how long he expected to be sidelined. The Germany keeper could be back before the end of the year, but it is unclear at this moment.
Ferran Torres
- Injury: Hamstring strain (left leg)
- Expected return date: October 26
Torres left the Spain camp in October with muscle fatigue in his left leg. He missed the Olympiacos game to have extra recovery time ahead of the Clasico.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match details
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4:15 p.m. local / 11:15 a.m. ET / 8:15 a.m. PT / 1 a.m. AEDT (Oct. 27)
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid (Spain)
- Competition: La Liga matchweek 10
- Referee: TBA
- VAR: TBA
