El Clásico takes centre stage on Sunday in Spain. Barcelona are hoping to extend their current lead by beating Real Madrid at Camp Nou in the biggest La Liga fixture of the season to date.

Rodri to Return as Barcelona Bid to Bounce Back From First Defeat

Barcelona suffered their first setback in midweek, losing 4-2 against PSG in the Champions League. Hansi Flick rested Rodri in that game, with the Spain international sure to start this weekend.

Fermín López should also come in for the injured Dani Olmo in the attacking midfield role. Fermín is enjoying a good season, with four goals and three assists in eight outings in the Spanish top flight.

Andreas Christensen, Roony Bardghji and Eric Garcia are sidelined, while Jules Koundé is rated doubtful. Raphinha recently returned to fitness and should lead the line. The Brazilian is the top scorer in La Liga with 12 goals in just eight appearances.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Espart, Cubarsí, Martin, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha.

Diomande and Mbappé Doing the Damage for Real Madrid

Real Madrid warmed up for this match with a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday. Vinícius Júnior’s domestic suspension means José Mourinho will be forced into at least one change following that game.

The Brazilian’s absence is less significant given his poor form and the increasing influence of Yan Diomandé. The Ivorian has registered three goals and three assists across his last four appearances. He should operate off the left flank, where he’ll be looking to run at Xavi Espart.

Kylian Mbappé is also firing, with 12 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions for his club. Los Blancos have no fresh fitness problems, but they’ll need to cope without the injured Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo again.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Güler; Valverde, Bellingham, Diomandé; Mbappé.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 3.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.49 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Barcelona 4-2 Real Madrid
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 4C38H

Key stats:

  • There have been 29 goals scored across the past six editions of El Clásico in all competitions.
  • Real Madrid have scored 2.56 goals per 90 minutes in La Liga 2026/27.
  • Nine of Barcelona’s last 10 competitive games have served up four or more goals.

Barcelona’s league fixtures this season are averaging 5.33 goals per 90 minutes. They have netted 39 times in just nine outings, 16 more than Real Madrid, who are the second-highest scorers in the Spanish top flight.

The main risk when it comes to backing another high-scoring edition of El Clásico is Mourinho adopting a more defensive game plan. However, with just one clean sheet in their past nine competitive outings, Los Blancos will struggle to hold the Catalans at bay. Over 3.5 goals is a safe pick at 1.49.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Barcelona to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 2.14 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: CKG8H

Barcelona still boast a 100% record in La Liga. They’ve won every game by two or more goals, with their attacking firepower unrivalled. However, the visitors should ask questions with the pace of Diomandé and Mbappé on the break.

Seven of the past eight Barça matches have seen both teams score. Backing goals at each end here in a home victory offers value at 2.14.

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals (1.49) — Barcelona 4-2 Real Madrid.