Sunday’s first El Clasico of the 2026-27 season gives Barcelona the chance to open a nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona have won all nine of their league matches so far, while six of the past seven meetings between the sides in all competitions have ended in victory for the Catalan club. Another win would provide a significant early statement from the team that has beaten Real Madrid to the title in each of the past two seasons.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will be without Vinicius Junior, who is suspended following his recent dismissal. That places much of the responsibility for the visitors’ attacking threat on Kylian Mbappe, although the France forward has an impressive record against Barcelona, with four LaLiga goals and five in all competitions. He has scored regularly against them throughout his career.

Barcelona’s high defensive line under Hansi Flick could offer Mbappe opportunities if the hosts fail to defend effectively. At the other end, Lamine Yamal arrives in strong form, and a decisive display would come at an opportune moment with the Ballon d'Or ceremony taking place in London the day after the match.

Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season in any competition when they lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League during the week. Real Madrid, meanwhile, beat RB Leipzig, with Yan Diomande scoring. Alongside Endrick and Jude Bellingham, Diomande is expected to support Mbappe in attack.

Both teams are likely to use a 4-2-3-1 formation. For Barcelona, Anthony Gordon could play in his first Clasico as part of a front four featuring Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and probably Fermin Lopez, after Dani Olmo was substituted against Paris Saint-Germain.

Rodri, who was pursued by Real Madrid in the summer before joining Barcelona, is expected to anchor the home midfield. He will need to shield Joan Garcia and prevent Real Madrid from creating the volume of chances that Paris Saint-Germain managed. Arda Guler, another player Barcelona had wanted to sign, will be among the key figures in a mobile Real Madrid midfield.

Defensive cover remains a major concern for Flick. Eric Garcia will join Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde on the sidelines, although Kounde is the only one of the three who could be fit. If he fails to pass a fitness test, Xavi Espart could start at right-back alongside Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo.

Barcelona’s attacking approach may restrict the forward runs of Marc Cucurella and Federico Valverde. Trent Alexander-Arnold would appear well suited to the contest, but his lack of favour under Mourinho makes a starting place unlikely.

A crucial individual battle could be between Lamine Yamal and Cucurella. The latter previously subdued the Barcelona winger while playing for Chelsea in a 3-0 Champions League victory almost a year ago.

Pedri’s freedom will also be important. He struggled against Paris Saint-Germain’s immediate pressure, but Barcelona improved after Rodri came on in the 60th minute. If Pedri can create without being closed down, Barcelona are likely to produce the greater number of chances.

Frenkie de Jong could also feature after his long absence. His experience of these matches would be valuable, while the last 17 Clasicos in all competitions have produced at least four goals on 12 occasions.