The storied rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona continues to unfold, with both teams gearing up for a crucial match. This encounter takes place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Sunday evening, marking the tenth round of the 2025-2026 La Liga season. As the classic curse looms, the question remains: will the classic curse continue or be broken?
Current Standings in La Liga
Both teams find themselves in a competitive position this season. However, Real Madrid holds a slight edge, leading the table with 24 points. They have achieved eight victories and suffered only one defeat. In contrast, Barcelona has secured seven wins, with one draw and one loss, trailing their rivals by two points.
- Real Madrid: 24 points (8 wins, 1 loss)
- Barcelona: 22 points (7 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
Injuries Affecting Both Teams
This classic matchup will see several key players missing due to injuries. Barcelona coach Hans Flick will be without six players, significantly impacting their strategy:
- Raphinha
- Dani Olmo
- Robert Lewandowski
- Joan García
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Gavi
On the other hand, Real Madrid, led by coach Xabi Alonso, is facing fewer setbacks, with only two injuries:
- Antonio Rüdiger
- David Alaba
Historical Performance and Recent Encounters
The rivalry has taken a noticeable turn since Flick’s arrival at Barcelona in the summer of 2024. In the previous season, Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid during four encounters, significantly boosting their psychological advantage:
| Match Type | Result |
|---|---|
| La Liga Round 11 (2024-2025) | Barcelona 4 – 0 Real Madrid |
| La Liga Round 35 (2024-2025) | Barcelona 4 – 3 Real Madrid |
| Copa del Rey Final (2025) | Barcelona 3 – 2 Real Madrid |
| Spanish Super Cup Final (2025) | Barcelona 5 – 2 Real Madrid |
As the teams prepare for the upcoming clash, Alonso will aim to end this curse. Meanwhile, Barcelona will be determined to maintain their dominance over their fierce rivals, continuing a trend that has become a source of strength for Flick’s squad.
