Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona Lineups

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Barcelona and Real Madrid meet at Camp Nou for an intense La Liga top four clash. Hansi Flick’s side trail the league leaders by four points and victory could bolster their title chances.

The hosts are expected to field a similar starting lineup to what was seen against Madrid in their previous league match: Wojciech Szczesny in goal will partner Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez alongside Pedri and Frenkie De Jong in midfield.

In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona Lineups.

Here are the last five competitive El Clásico matches between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, up to July 31, 2025:

Lineups

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona’s matchups have long been anticipated with great anticipation due to their rich histories and world-class talent, making these matches highly anticipated events. Each team holds special significance as their championship hopes may depend on these results; and fans are expected to witness intriguing football clashes showcasing both sides’ distinct footballing philosophies in each clash. Consequently, it is vital that before each clash it is vital that we understand who are key players involved and their roles within this rivalry.

Even without injured stars like Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, Barcelona remains in good form. They defeated Celta Vigo last weekend comfortably before arriving at Bernabeu with confidence for another comfortable victory.

Real Madrid are only concerned with Thibaut Courtois’ fitness, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to opt for his preferred goalkeeper over Andriy Lunin for this important matchup. Additionally, Real should play with an unchanged midfield featuring Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos as expected starters.

Fran Garcia looks set to start at left back over Ferland Mendy who may still not be fully fit, having excelled for La Masia this season and held off Barcelona attackers like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe with ease.

Real Madrid could look less impressive without Cristiano Ronaldo due to his injury, who played an integral part of Real’s dynamic play and could make an immediate difference in any match’s outcome. Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes will need to step up as replacements in order to fill this void.

Real Madrid will likely adopt a high-tempo style when selecting their starting lineup, using possession to open up space for their attackers and breaking quickly through wing-backs such as Nacho or Dani Carvajal. They hope to score at least two goals to put themselves in the driving seat of the title race; an away win may provide them with even greater momentum in this regard.

Barca defenders must remain focused to avoid an upset in their home fixture against Inter Milan in the Champions League. While Barcelona boasts one of the superior defensive records, they will look to narrow the gap on leader Real Madrid. Occupied will enter this matchup full of confidence as they know they can turn things around against fierce rivals Real Madrid. Unfortunately, injuries to Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga will make it more challenging to keep pace with Real Madrid’s high tempo; but Gerard Martin may get his chance after impressing against Inter in their second leg semi-final match; hopefully this can protect Pau Cubarsi, Jordi Alba, and Frenkie de Jong’s defense alongside Pau Cubarsi, Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong.

Injury Updates

The Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry is unquestionably one of the fiercest in world football, and this time around is no different. Both teams are still fighting it out for La Liga supremacy; Real Madrid could still take it home but due to an injury crisis may not field a full strength defence: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy have all been ruled out, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with an incomplete defence unit for such an important clash.

Hansi Flick made one change from the team that lost to Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals, recalling Marc Casado to the bench after not being fit enough for action against Inter. Casado failed to feature against Italian champions Inter and it appears unlikely he will feature for this El Clasico either. As Arda Guler excelled as right back against Celta last weekend, Flick has also given Arda Guler another recall as right-back.

Real Madrid came into this match seven points behind Barcelona and needed a victory to have any chance at catching their arch-rivals. Real started poorly but were saved from certain defeat thanks to an outstanding young performance from Real. Barca then took an early lead through Kylian Mbappe’s penalty kick.

At first, France were given a penalty following a corner in which French striker Thibaut Courtois was brought down by Wojciech Szczesny; however, the officials disallowed it due to offside. They eventually managed to regain the lead with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha scoring quickly for home team.

Real Madrid will aim to return to form following some unsatisfying performances in recent matches, while Barcelona hopes to avoid their third straight loss by winning this one and retaking first spot.

Thibaut Courtois will miss Real Madrid’s game against Atletico Madrid due to a ruptured meniscus, though he may return for the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid and possibly Copa del Rey final against Barcelona despite this setback. Although Madrid are in strong contention to retain their crown by either defeating RCD Espanyol on Thursday or seeing Barcelona slip against Mallorca; though Courtois is an immense loss.

Predictions

Even after being shocked in the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona have managed to maintain their grip on La Liga and are four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid heading into this weekend’s Clasico matchup. Both teams enter into this match following hard-fought victories, but Barcelona have an edge as hosts.

Barca have relied upon their defensive resilience to secure victories against inferior opposition in recent weeks, but will need to be at their best against Real who have recently enjoyed an exceptional streak of victories across all competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won their last three league matches and closed within two points of Barcelona in the race for the title, placing themselves in an ideal position to unseat their arch-rivals and claiming victory. Additionally, having had an extra week to prepare is sure to make their chances even greater come this decisive encounter.

The visitors have won four of five league meetings between these sides this season and look set to continue their impressive form. Xabi Alonso’s side are expected to remain unchanged following their 3:2 win against Celta last time out; Arda Guler may replace Dani Carvajal at right back while Federico Valverde could feature alongside Toni Kroos as central midfielders; Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will likely start as both players look for their first victory as Real Madrid players against their former clubs since joining Madrid; Arda Guler may well make his debut while Toni Kroos could debut alongside Valverde for Toni Kroos’ side; both Kylian Mbappe in particular will look to claim his first triumph as Real Madrid player against his former club; while Vinicius Junior looks set for victory when facing his former club as Real Madrid player as Madrid player;

Barcelona would make an enormous statement with victory at Barcelona this Sunday and solidify their chance at winning their fourth successive league crown. Hansi Flick’s squad may be exhausted following 120 intense minutes against Milan and an exhaustive season, yet should find enough energy for one last push in what may prove the most crucial match of their campaign.

Although Robert Lewandowski will not be on hand, the visitors’ attacking options remain robust despite his absence. Karim Benzema recently beat team-mate Mbappe to this year’s Pichichi award and will aim to make his final appearance at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys count. Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy should provide pace and power in attack for Madrid while Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal instead of injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.