"The Santiago Bernabéu will host the first El Clásico of the 2025-26 season on Sunday afternoon, and the stakes could not be higher. Real Madrid lead La Liga by two points over second-placed Barcelona, setting up a clash that is about far more than bragging rights-it's a battle for supremacy in Spain and a statement in Europe. This rivalry, steeped in history and drama, has delivered unforgettable moments for over a century."
"Real Madrid have been almost flawless this season, winning 11 of their 12 matches in all competitions. Their only blemish was a 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in September, but they've bounced back strongly with five straight wins, including a 1-0 victory over Juventus in midweek Champions League action thanks to Jude Bellingham's strike. Domestically, Los Blancos have eight wins from nine league games, scoring 20 goals and conceding nine."
"The Bernabéu crowd will expect Madrid to dictate the tempo, using their pace on the flanks and pressing high to exploit Barcelona's defensive vulnerabilities. Alonso's tactical approach has emphasized quick transitions and positional flexibility, which could be decisive against a Barca side missing key players. Real Madrid will be without Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba due to injuries, forcing Xabi Alonso to reshuffle his back line. Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold face late fitness tests, while midfielder Dani Ceballos returns to the squad."
The Santiago Bernabéu will stage the first El Clásico of 2025-26 with Real Madrid leading La Liga by two points over Barcelona, elevating the match's significance for domestic and European standing. Real have won 11 of 12 matches across competitions, recovering from a 5-2 loss to Atlético and posting five straight wins, including a Champions League victory over Juventus thanks to Jude Bellingham. Domestically Madrid have eight wins from nine league games, scoring 20 and conceding nine, with attacking options Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Franco Mastantuono. Xabi Alonso emphasizes quick transitions and positional flexibility. Madrid will miss Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba; Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are doubtful; Dani Ceballos returns.
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