Real Madrid will host a rejuvenated Barcelona in this season’s first El-Clasico on Saturday, October 26. Both clubs enter this blockbuster clash with dominant wins under their belt. 

Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 to secure their second win of the Champions League 2024-25, thanks to Vinicius Jr hattrick. It was a much-needed win after their shocking loss to Lille last month. 

The European champions have won the last four games against Barcelona across all competitions. They are unbeaten from the last 42 matches in La Liga and ready to equal Barcelona’s record who had 43 games without defeats. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona has been thriving under Hansi Flick. They enter this fixture on the back of a dominant 4-1 win over European rivals Bayern Munich in the Champions League. 

Barcelona will remain at the top of the La Liga table even if they lose on Saturday, thanks to a better goal difference. However, given their recent form, it is hard to imagine them losing. 

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.K.:

TV channel: Premier Sports 1
Live stream: LALIGATV

This game is available for live TV broadcast on Premier Sports 1 in the United Kingdom, with coverage starting at 5:45 p.m. BST. Streaming options are available on LALIGATV.

What time does Real Madrid vs. Barcelona kick off?

This La Liga clash takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, and kicks off on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across the U.K.:

DateSaturday, Oct. 26Kick-off time8:00 p.m. BST VenueSantiago BernabeuLocationMadrid, SpainReal Madrid vs. Barcelona lineups, team news

Real Madrid will miss Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois due to injury. The former was forced off in the final minutes against Dortmund in the Champions League clash. Meanwhile, Courtois has been sidelined for up to three weeks due to an injury. 

David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are also sidelined. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz remains a doubt.  

Jude Bellingham will get an advanced role due to Rodrygo’s absence. The Brazilian will be replaced by either Tchouameni or Camavinga. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will complete the front three. 

Real Madrid predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Lunin (GK)— Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy— Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde— Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Injured: Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois
Suspended: None

Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo remain out injured for Barcelona. 

Gavi has returned to action after recovering from an ACL injury. 

Lewandowski will lead the attack in a 4-3-3 formation, with Yamal and Raphina covering the flanks. 

Barcelona predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Pena (GK)— Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde— Casado, Pedri, Fermin— Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha 

Injured: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo
Suspended: None

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Prediction 

Real Madrid has managed to grind out results this season despite being not having fully convincing performances. On the other hand, Barcelona come into this clash full of confidence. Their intensity and efficiency suggest they are well-equipped to exploit Real Madrid’s current weaknesses. Given their recent form, Barcelona looks capable of dominating the game. 

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-3 BarcelonaLa Liga fixture schedule this week

All times BST

Friday, October 25

Espanyol vs. Sevilla FC (8:00 p.m.)

Saturday, October 26

Real Valladolid vs. Villarreal (1:00 p.m.) Rayo Vallecano vs. Alavés (3:15 p.m.)UD Las Palmas vs. Girona (5:30 p.m.)Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (8:00 p.m.)

Sunday, October 27

Leganés vs. Celta Vigo (1:00 p.m.) Getafe vs. Valencia (3:15 p.m.)Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid (5:30 p.m.) Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna (8:00 p.m.) 

Monday, October 28

Mallorca vs. Athletic Bilbao (8:00 p.m.)