Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe will renew their rivalry when Barcelona host Real Madrid in a crucial El Clasico clash, with both forwards hoping to strengthen their cases for the Ballon d’Or ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London.

The two stars are among the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award, although voting by journalists closed in September.

Real Madrid head into Sunday’s encounter under pressure, having fallen six points behind defending La Liga champions Barcelona after nine matches.

Madrid are third on the table, behind city rivals Atletico Madrid, and will be keen to avoid losing further ground in the title race.

Yamal has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, recording 10 goals and 10 assists in La Liga and the Champions League, alongside four goals for Spain.

The teenager also helped Spain win the World Cup in July, beating Mbappe’s France in the semi-finals before defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.

Mbappe, meanwhile, has scored 12 goals in as many matches for Madrid, keeping the club in contention despite their inconsistent performances.

Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane and Messi are also among the players attracting attention in the race for the award.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is expected to receive a hostile reception from Barcelona supporters following his return to the Spanish club rivalry.

During his first spell at Madrid between 2010 and 2013, the Portuguese tactician intensified the rivalry through his team’s aggressive approach and frequent verbal exchanges with former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

Mourinho also famously poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a confrontation between both teams.

His return is expected to add more tension to an already heated encounter.

Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season on Tuesday, losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Hansi Flick’s side had won their previous 11 matches in all competitions before the defeat, despite Yamal finding the net against the European champions.

Barcelona have scored 50 goals this season, including five or more in six matches, while Raphinha has contributed 14 goals in his new role as a striker.

The hosts are expected to dominate possession and press high, while Madrid could exploit the pace of Mbappe on counter-attacks.

Rodri set for starting role

Barcelona midfielder Rodri is expected to return to the starting line-up after beginning the PSG match on the bench.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner had started eight consecutive matches before being rested by Flick.

He is expected to feature alongside Pedri, while Fermín López could also start in the absence of the injured Dani Olmo.

Madrid will be without Vinicius Junior, who is serving the second match of a four-game La Liga suspension for pulling an opponent’s hair.

Nineteen-year-old Yan Diomande has emerged as an option on the left flank, scoring in three of Madrid’s last four matches.

Madrid will also look to Arda Guler for creativity as they attempt to overcome Barcelona’s midfield strength and reduce the