JUMP TO:
Xabi Alonso will oversee his first Clasico as Real Madrid head coach when Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The former midfielder has enjoyed a strong start to life as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor in the Madrid dugout. A 1-0 win at battling Getafe last weekend, their eighth victory in nine La Liga games this season, put them two points clear of champions Barca at the top of the standings.
Madrid claimed a 1-0 win over Juventus on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League, a day after Barca thrashed Olympiacos 6-1. A day’s less rest than their opponents, combined with wider injury concerns in defence, means Alonso will have some important decisions to make when he selects his lineup for this weekend.
MORE: El Clasico: History of rivalry and all-time head-to-head between Barcelona and Real Madrid
Real Madrid lineup vs. Barcelona: Starting XI
Courtois (GK)
Valverde, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras
Tchouameni, Camavinga
Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius
Mbappe
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Real Madrid team news
Alonso’s biggest issues remain in defence, where centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, along with right-back Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are sidelined. The latter two have proven fit enough for the Clasico bench, while Federico Valverde will continue in that role from the start. Dean Huijsen starts at the heart of defence in place of Raul Asencio, with the former Bournemouth man passing fit.
Jude Bellingham has been deployed as a No. 10 with something of a free role as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni anchor the midfield behind him. Alonso has been full of praise for Arda Guler of late, and while he keeps his place in the XI, he has been moved out wide in place of Franco Mastantuono, with Eduardo Camavinga coming into midfield.
Kylian Mbappe will hope to continue his electric recent form, while Vinicius Junior may see this as a chance to underline his worth. If he delivers another unconvincing display in a big game, his future will come under greater scrutiny.
MORE: Breaking down the prize money on offer in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Real Madrid, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
David Alaba
- Injury: Calf strain (right leg)
- Expected return date: November 1, 2025
Alaba sustained a calf problem in the win at Getafe and will sit out Sunday’s Clasico, having also missed the win over Juventus. It is hoped he will be back in time for the visit of Valencia on November 1.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Injury: Hamstring (left leg)
- Expected return date: October 26, 2025
Alexander-Arnold strained his hamstring last month. Alonso said he would not risk the right-back against Juventus, but he returns to the bench for El Clasico.
Dani Carvajal
- Injury: Calf muscle (left leg)
- Expected return date: October 26, 2025
Like Alexander-Arnold, it was hoped that Carvajal could be back from a calf issue in time to face Barcelona, although he was not risked from the start, instead given a spot on the bench.
Dean Huijsen
- Injury: Calf muscle (left leg)
- Expected return date: October 26, 2025
Huijsen has a similar issue to Carvajal and was expected to make his comeback against Valencia on November 1, or Liverpool three days later. However, Alaba’s latest setback means Madrid could be forced to hurry the Spain international back so he can face Barca.
Ferland Mendy
- Injury: Quadriceps (right leg)
- Expected return date: November 2025
Mendy has not played since last season’s Copa del Rey final after needing surgery on a thigh injury. He returned to team training in the build-up to the Clasico, and a targeted return of early November looks to be on track.
Antonio Rudiger
- Injury: Thigh muscle tear (left leg)
- Expected return date: December 12, 2025
Rudiger tore a thigh muscle in September and was given an estimated recovery period of three months. He may be ready to return for the visit of Manchester City on December 10, if his return to training goes well.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match details
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4:15 p.m. local / 11:15 a.m. ET / 8:15 a.m. PT / 1 a.m. AEDT (Oct. 27)
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid (Spain)
- Competition: La Liga matchweek 10
- Referee: Cesar Soto Grado
Latest Real Madrid news
