NEW DELHI: One of football’s biggest rivalries is set to ignite again as Real Madrid host Barcelona in a high-stakes La Liga clash on Sunday, with the title race hanging in the balance.
Barcelona come into the game needing to bounce back quickly after a heartbreaking
Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan, where they were eliminated in extra time by a 7-6 aggregate score.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. Manager Hansi Flick has urged his team to shift focus and regroup in time for El Clasico, calling it "another final."
Barcelona currently lead Madrid by four points in the La Liga standings, and a win would put them in a commanding position with just three matches left. Madrid, on the other hand, need a victory to keep their title hopes alive.
Injuries will play a major role. Real Madrid will be without their entire starting defence, including Rudiger, Militão, Carvajal, and Mendy. Midfielder Camavinga is also sidelined. Madrid are expected to field a makeshift backline led by Tchouaméni and youth player Raúl Asenscio.
Barcelona are dealing with injuries of their own, as Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde remain doubtful. Flick must also choose between a recovering Lewandowski and Ferran Torres up front.
Recent Clasicos have been goal-fests, with Barcelona scoring 12 goals across the last three meetings. Expect another high-scoring affair with both defences stretched thin. Lewandowski (25 goals) and Mbappé (24 goals) will be key attacking threats.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Match details
Date: May 11, 2025
Where: Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, Barce
How to Watch El Clasico Live:- India: No TV broadcast. Live streaming on GXR World app and website at 7:45 PM IST.
- UK/Ireland: Viaplay, La Liga TV (3:15 PM BST)
- USA: ESPN (7:15 AM PT / 10:15 AM ET)
This could also be Carlo Ancelotti's final major game with Madrid, as rumours of a move to coach Brazil continue to swirl.