Real Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tips (26 October)

Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to clash in the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 LaLiga season this Sunday, October 26, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Both teams are navigating injury concerns and recent form fluctuations, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable encounter.

Real Madrid enter this fixture with a slender two-point lead over their eternal rivals after nine rounds of LaLiga action. Kylian Mbappé has been instrumental in their recent run, netting the decisive goal against Getafe to keep Los Blancos atop the table. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is not without its setbacks. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has missed six games due to a hamstring issue, is expected to return just in time for the derby. The Englishman’s potential face-off with Marcus Rashford—now donning Barcelona colors—adds an intriguing subplot, rekindling their Premier League rivalry. Real’s recent form has been solid, with convincing wins over Villarreal and Espanyol, though a 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid still lingers in memory.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are navigating a turbulent patch. Despite a 2-1 win over Girona, they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sevilla and a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Injuries have compounded their woes: Gavi and Eric Garcia are sidelined with meniscus issues, while key figures like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Marc-André ter Stegen are racing against time to be fit. Coach Hansi Flick, suspended for this match, will be absent from the touchline, leaving assistant coaches to steer the ship. Despite these challenges, young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri continue to shine, offering hope for a spirited performance in Madrid.

With both teams carrying battle scars into this iconic fixture, the tactical chess match promises to be as compelling as ever. Real Madrid’s home advantage and slightly better form give them a marginal edge, but Barcelona’s youthful exuberance and hunger to bounce back could tilt the balance. Expect fireworks from the opening whistle, with individual duels—Mbappé vs Koundé, Rashford vs Alexander-Arnold—likely to shape the narrative. In a match where margins are razor-thin, we’re predicting a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, with late drama sealing the outcome in classic El Clásico fashion.