# Real Madrid and FC Barcelona El Clásico preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrid-and-fc-barcelona-el-clsico-preparations > Updated: 2026-10-25T06:02:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 6. Anticipation is growing for the upcoming El Clásico match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, scheduled for October 25, 2026, at the Spotify Camp Nou. The fixture carries significant implications for the LaLiga title race, as league leaders Barcelona currently hold a six-point advantage over third-place Real Madrid. The matchup arrives just one day before the 2026 Ballon d'Or gala in London, with candidates Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé in focus. As the match approaches, midfielder Rodri Hernández noted in a DAZN interview that while the clubs possess different playing styles, the competitive spirit remains high. He suggested Real Madrid may be seeking “revenge following recent encounters” and commented on manager Jose Mourinho’s strong personality and philosophy. Squad selections have also emerged. Barcelona has announced a roster featuring two La Masia academy players to compensate for first-team absences. In contrast, Real Madrid’s starting lineup will not include any academy players, a situation not seen in a starting XI at Camp Nou since October 2015. Real Madrid’s selection relies on established players, whereas Barcelona continues to integrate young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. Preparation remains colored by previous refereeing controversies involving the RFEF’s appointment of Juan Martínez Munuera and Javier Iglesias Villanueva, which Mourinho had previously criticized. On the eve of the match, Real Madrid faces significant personnel challenges. Manager José Mourinho must navigate the suspension of Vinícius Júnior and injuries to Rodrygo, Asencio, and Mendy. Additionally, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out due to a fever, leaving Andriy Lunin expected to start. To compensate, Mourinho is considering tactical shifts, such as moving Federico Valverde to a more advanced role or utilizing him defensively to accommodate Bernardo Silva in midfield. ## Claims - Jorge Valdano considers FC Barcelona the favorite for the upcoming El Clásico. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Real Madrid has a squad capable of winning in any location. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Real Madrid possesses extraordinary forwards. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Real Madrid is currently struggling with the construction of their play. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Hansi Flick is managing FC Barcelona. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Real Madrid prepares tactical shifts for El Clásico against Barcelona Real Madrid faces significant absences, including Vinícius Júnior and Thibaut Courtois, forcing José Mourinho to implement tactical changes for the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-prepares-tactical-shifts-for-el-clsico-against-barcelona ### 2026-10-24: Barcelona and Real Madrid rosters set for El Clásico Barcelona will utilize La Masia academy players to bolster their squad for El Clásico against Real Madrid, while Real Madrid's starting lineup will lack academy players for the first time at Camp Nou in over a_ 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barcelona-and-real-madrid-rosters-set-for-el-clsico ### 2026-10-24: Rodri warns Barcelona not to underestimate Real Madrid ahead of Clasico Barcelona midfielder Rodri warned his team not to be deceived by Real Madrid's recent form ahead of their upcoming Clasico. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rodri-warns-barcelona-not-to-underestimate-real-madrid-ahead-of-clasico ### 2026-10-24: Jorge Valdano analyzes El Clásico and Spanish football Analyst Jorge Valdano views FC Barcelona as the favorite for El Clásico but maintains that Real Madrid's squad is capable of winning anywhere. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-valdano-analyzes-el-clsico-and-spanish-football ### 2026-10-10: Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare for upcoming Clasico Former Real Madrid player Guti warns that Barcelona's league lead does not make them favorites for the upcoming Clasico, noting they must still prove themselves in the Champions League. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-and-barcelona-prepare-for-upcoming-clasico ### 2026-10-07: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona prepare for El Clásico Real Madrid prepares for El Clásico against FC Barcelona on October 25, amid discussions over potential referee assignments and ongoing scrutiny of officiating standards in La Liga. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alejandro-hernndez-hernndez-appointed-to-referee-el-clsico --- Cite as: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona El Clásico preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrid-and-fc-barcelona-el-clsico-preparations