Barcelona and Real Madrid enter the field this Sunday with squads defined for the classic that could crown the Catalans LaLiga champions. The match takes place at 4pm (Brasília time) on Spotify Camp Nou for the 35th round. A draw guarantees the title to Barcelona with two rounds to spare, while Real Madrid arrives weakened by multiple absences and seeks to postpone the rival celebration.
Valverde out by decision of Real Madrid after incident
Frederico Valverde was not listed for the duel against Barcelona. The Uruguayan midfielder was left out by decision of the club after getting involved in a physical argument with Tchouaméni during training this week. Ambos were fined by the merengue institution as a disciplinary measure.
The absence of the midfielder significantly weakens Real Madrid’s midfield. The team arrives at the classic with 77 points on the table and faces an internal crisis that coach Álvaro Arbeloa is trying to manage with multiple casualties in the squad.
Real Madrid roster reduced due to injuries and suspensions
Real Madrid will play Courtois in goal after returning from a month and a half away. The defense will be made up of Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen and Fran García. The midfield will have Brahim Díaz, Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Bellingham, while the attack will feature Gonzalo García and Vinícius Jr, who will be team captain.
Além from Valverde, Real Madrid continues without Rodrygo, Militão, Mendy, Arda Güler, Carvajal and Mbappé. The formation will be 4-4-2, a defensive structure that reflects the fragility of the Merengue squad for this decisive clash.
- Rodrygo, Militão, Mendy, Arda Güler and Carvajal injured.
- Mbappé absent due to muscle problem.
- Valverde out due to the club’s disciplinary decision.
- Courtois returns after long recovery period.
- Arbeloa manages internal crisis with multiple embezzlements.
Barcelona with full cast and consolidated leadership
Barcelona has a strong lineup with Joan García in goal. The defense will be formed by Eric García, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and Cancelo. The midfield will feature Gavi and Pedri, the latter as team captain. In attack, Fermín López, Dani Olmo, Rashford and Ferran Torres start the match, with Raphinha and Lewandowski as options on the bench.
Barcelona leads the competition with 88 points and comes from a 2-1 victory over Getafe in the previous round. The season’s dominant campaign puts the Catalans on the brink of the title, just needing not to lose to seal the victory with two rounds still to be played.
Transmissão and match details
Disney+ broadcasts the classic live to viewers. Referee Alejandro Hernández will referee the match at Spotify Camp Nou, which is expected to receive a large audience at Barcelona. ge will follow the game in real time with shots, statistics and analysis of the match.
Real Madrid comes from a 2-0 victory over Espanyol in the previous round, but arrives at the classic with morale shaken by the internal crisis and multiple absences. Barcelona, in turn, seeks to consolidate its hegemony in the season and win the title early in front of its fans.
Contexto and importance of the classic
Este Classic represents a pivotal moment of the 2025-2026 LaLiga season. Barcelona, with a dominant campaign and comfortable lead, can seal the title this Sunday, while Real Madrid tries to resist and postpone the rival celebration. The absence of Valverde, added to the other absences, puts the Merengue team in a delicate situation for a clash of such magnitude.
