Time for an "El Clásico" that could deeply wound Real and crown Barcelona

The football world is gearing up for another edition of "El Clásico," but this time, the stakes are higher than ever. On Sunday evening at Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona hosts Real Madrid in a La Liga Matchday 35 clash. With 88 points, the Catalans are on the verge of securing a second consecutive title, while Real Madrid, sitting in second place with 77 points, will be looking to postpone their eternal rivals' celebrations.

Barcelona enters the derby in superb form. Hansi Flick's side has recorded five wins in their last five matches, including crucial league victories over Osasuna (2-1) and Getafe (2-0), as well as a triumph over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Real Madrid, on the other hand, is going through a challenging period. Despite a win against Espanyol in their last league outing, "Los Blancos" suffered a defeat to Bayern Munich in Europe and drew against Betis and Girona, which has shaken the confidence within Álvaro Arbeloa's squad.

Hansi Flick remains focused on his team's identity: "I want us to play our game, our style, to be a united force on the pitch. Winning a second consecutive title would be an incredible achievement." In the Real Madrid camp, tension is palpable following reports of a conflict between Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. However, coach Álvaro Arbeloa defended his players: "I won't throw my players under the bus. I am responsible for everything that happens at Real Madrid. I see a healthy dressing room, ready to win again."

Recent encounters between the two teams promise a goal-fest. Barcelona has dominated lately, winning four of their last five matches against Real Madrid. This January, the Catalans lifted the Spanish Super Cup after a 3-2 victory, and last season, they recorded a resounding 5-2 win in the same tournament. The last league match at this stadium was also a spectacle – a 4-3 victory for Barça in May 2025, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick for the visitors, though it wasn't enough.

The hosts will be without their young star Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. In attack, Flick will rely on the experience of Robert Lewandowski, supported by Pedri and Dani Olmo. Real Madrid arrives without Fede Valverde, who is out after a training incident, as well as long-term absentees Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão. The entire goal-scoring responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Júnior.