Real Madrid are already fighting for their La Liga lives as they meet Barcelona in the first El Clasico rivalry matchup of the 2026/27 season.
Just nine matches into the domestic campaign, Los Blancos are already six points off their rivals in the top spot, sitting third with two defeats to their name.
Falling further back in the table could mean the death of their title chase not a third of the way into the campaign, which would be a serious blow to Jose Mourinho’s first season back at the Bernabeu.
They will have to fight against that tide without one of their most iconic players, as Vinicius Jr. will not be available for selection in the game on Sunday, October 25 at the newly renovated Camp Nou.
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Why Vinicius Jr isn’t playing in El Clasico
Vinicius Jr. is not available for Jose Mourinho’s side in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season.
After being sent off against Villarreal in La Liga play, the 26-year-old has been suspended four games by the Spanish top flight.
A three-match ban is usually the minimum for violent conduct, but La Liga applied an additional game after Vini pulled the hair of Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba during their match on October 10.
The VAR review which resulted in the straight red card not only resulted in Vini being sent off, but it also nullified the goal he scored moments after the incident, which was not initially spotted by the referee.
MORE: Vini Jr. suspension leaves Real Madrid with star player reckoning
Who will take Vinicius Jr’s place for Real Madrid in El Clasico?
Vinicius Jr’s first game of the four-match suspension was served in the 4-1 victory over Sevilla last weekend.
In that match, Yan Diomande flipped wings and took over Vini’s spot on the left, while Endrick started on the right. Arda Guler, who often plays right wing, was moved back into midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, with Federico Valverde playing at right-back.
Diomande picked up a goal and an assist, playing the full 90 minutes, playing a starring role in the match behind Kylian Mbappe’s brace. Meanwhile, Enrick played 69 minutes before being withdrawn for Brahim Diaz.
Against Barcelona, Jose Mourinho could decide to start Diaz given his experience and additional defensive capabilities, or Arda Guler could start on the right wing with Valverde moved up into midfield and Trent Alexander-Arnold deployed at right-back.
