The final El Clásico of the season is upon us as Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to face off at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, marking the stadium’s first El Clásico since its November reopening.
This encounter holds significant weight for both clubs. Barcelona have the opportunity to secure their second consecutive La Liga title if they avoid defeat, while Real Madrid are determined to win and prevent their arch-rivals from lifting the trophy.
Flick poised to make one change – but who drops out?
Barcelona is unlikely to make drastic alterations to the lineup that secured victory against Osasuna last weekend. According to Diario AS, a single change is expected: Jules Koundé is anticipated to replace Gerard Martín. This shift would see Eric García move to centre-back, with Koundé occupying his usual right-back position. Sport, however, suggests that Eric García might be the player to be dropped for Koundé. Both outlets agree that Raphinha is likely to start on the bench, a fate also expected for Marcus Rashford despite his recent impactful appearances.
Real Madrid welcome back Courtois and Mbappe
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be compelled to make at least two changes due to the injuries of Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde. Diario AS anticipates Fran García and Kylian Mbappé to replace them respectively. Mbappé is set to return to the starting lineup for the first time in a couple of weeks.
Thibaut Courtois is confirmed to be back in goal for Real Madrid, having fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since mid-March. Andriy Lunin will be relegated to the bench. Aurelién Tchouaméni might also find himself on the bench following his disagreement with Valverde earlier in the week. However, Marca believes he will be favored over Eduardo Camavinga.
Who’s taking the spoils in El Clásico?
Barcelona enters this match as the clear favorites, and rightly so. They have been dominant at home since their return to the Spotify Camp Nou and will be confident in their ability to seal the La Liga title in style. Nevertheless, Real Madrid should not be underestimated, even with their less-than-ideal preparations.
