Epic doesn’t even begin to describe it. As Barcelona prepares to face Real Madrid at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium this Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Known universally as El Clasico, this upcoming La Liga clash could very well determine the titleholder for the 2024-25 season.
The backdrop is picture-perfect drama. Coming off an electrifying Copa del Rey final, which saw the two teams exchanging leads in a five-goal thriller that carried into extra time, the excitement is palpable.
Kick-off: 10:15 am ET Sunday (May 11)
Venue: Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc — Barcelona
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Deportes, ESPN+
For Barcelona, this Sunday’s contest isn’t just another match—it's an opportunity to re-establish their dominance. They lead Real Madrid by four points in the standings. A win won’t mathematically end Real’s claim to the throne, but a seven-point cushion with three matches left would make it nearly impossible for Real to catch up.
Barcelona's recent record against their arch-rivals bodes well for them. In past clashes this season, they’ve triumphed with convincing victories, the most stunning being a 5-2 Supercopa de Espana win and a nail-biting 3-2 encounter in the Copa Del Rey.
No shortage of drama surrounds Real Madrid either. Recent matches ended with fireworks, literally, as three of their star players lost their cool and saw red in their latest meet-up with Barcelona.
Team News:
Barcelona: OUT: Jules Kounde (knee), Marc Bernal (ACL), Marc Casado (knee), Daniel Rodriguez (shoulder) | QUESTIONABLE: Alex Balde (back), Marc Andre ter Stegen (undisclosed)
Real Madrid: OUT: Antonio Rudiger (knee), David Alaba (knee), Ferland Mendy (muscular), Dani Carvajal (knee), Eder Militao (knee), Eduardo Camavinga (tendon)
Despite an injury-hit real Madrid defense, especially missing the likes of Rudiger, and Militao, Lewandowski’s uncertain fitness will be a relief to their problematic backline. Nevertheless, it’s not been a strong patch for Real, who've only gathered four wins in their last nine outings.
Barcelona has been flying high all year long, recording only two losses since January. It seems this season is theirs to claim and with the way Real Madrid has been faltering, Barça could clinch all four Clasicos in a single season.
Our prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid. The history and intensity of El Clasico promise another thrilling chapter in this fierce rivalry.
