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Barcelona hosts Real Madrid at Camp Nou for the final El Clásico of the season. Barcelona aims to maintain their perfect home record against a team that previously defeated them in the league.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
Barcelona welcomes Real Madrid to the Camp Nou on Sunday night in the final El Clásico of the season.
Barcelona lost the reverse fixture earlier in the league away from home but they have won all 17 home matches this season, their first perfect run since the 1985-86 season.
Barcelona enters this Clásico with a mix of optimism and injury concerns. The most significant blow is the absence of teenage star Lamine Yamal, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season following a hamstring injury.
On a more positive note, Andreas Christensen has returned to training after a knee issue, though he is expected to start on the bench as he lacks match fitness.
Raphinha is also fit and available, providing a vital attacking option. Hansi Flick is expected to lean on the experience of Robert Lewandowski up front, supported by a midfield core of Pedri and Gavi.
The final El Clásico of the season is crucial as it can impact league standings and is a highly anticipated rivalry match.
Barcelona has won all 17 home matches this season, marking their first perfect home run since the 1985-86 season.
The match is scheduled for Sunday night at Camp Nou.
Barcelona lost the reverse fixture earlier in the league away from home.
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Marcus Rashford is also expected to start on the flanks while Fermin Lopez is also expected to get the nod ahead of Raphinha on the side.
With most of the squad healthy and available, Hansi Flick is expected to field a strong XI and confirm their title in front of the home crowd.
Real Madrid arrives in Barcelona amidst significant internal turmoil and a depleted roster. The squad is reeling from a reported physical altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, which has left Valverde sidelined with a head injury.
This adds to a lengthy injury list that includes Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos and Eder Militao.
However, there is a boost in morale as Kylian Mbappe has been cleared to play despite recent hamstring concerns, and Thibaut Courtois is also expected to start.
Alvaro Arbeloa is forced to patch together a backline, likely featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia on the full back role and Antonio Rudiger in the centre alongwith Dean Huijsen.
The partnership of Vinicius Junior and Mbappe will need to continue their goalscoring form to delay Barcelona’s title celebration against them.
Barcelona are in sensational form, currently sitting 11 points clear at the top of La Liga with 88 points. Hansi Flick’s side has secured 10 consecutive league victories, most recently a 2-1 win away at Osasuna on May 3. Their relentless momentum has placed them on the brink of the La Liga title, needing just a single point today to officially secure their 29th league trophy.
Real Madrid’s form has been inconsistent as they struggle to keep pace, sitting in second with 77 points. Los Blancos have managed only two wins in their last five outings across all competitions, reflecting a dip in momentum. Their most recent result was a 2-0 victory over Espanyol, which briefly delayed Barcelona’s coronation. However, internal friction and a mounting injury crisis have left them vulnerable heading into this must-win title decider.
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; E Garcia, Pedri; Rashford, Gavi, Fermin; Lewandowski
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F Garcia; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Pitarch; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
You can watch the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match live in the UK tonight on Premier Sports 1. It is also available on Disney+ for streaming.