According to a report by Madrid Universal on Friday, October 23, 2026, Jose Mourinho is reportedly planning a tactical approach aimed at neutralising Barcelona’s midfield dominance ahead of the highly anticipated El Clasico, with Real Madrid potentially making some unexpected choices in their starting XI.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is said to have placed significant emphasis on the weekend fixture, making changes to his team during their midweek clash with Paris Saint-Germain to keep key players fresh for the meeting with their fierce rivals.

Real Madrid will approach the contest with confidence, but Mourinho is aware that his tactical decisions could prove decisive against a Barcelona side known for its technical quality and ability to dictate the tempo of matches.

According to MARCA, the Portuguese manager has identified a midfield combination that could help Real Madrid challenge Barcelona’s control of possession while providing the defensive stability needed to limit their attacking threat.

Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to anchor the midfield, with his strength, positional awareness and ball-winning ability considered important assets against Barcelona’s technically gifted players.

Federico Valverde, however, is reportedly set to continue at right-back, leaving Tchouameni to form a central partnership with Eduardo Camavinga instead of the Uruguayan midfielder.

Camavinga’s anticipated selection could be one of the notable decisions ahead of the encounter, particularly given his limited opportunities for regular playing time this season. His recent display against RB Leipzig is believed to have improved his chances of featuring prominently.

The Frenchman’s athleticism, ability to carry the ball forward and quality in possession could give Madrid an important advantage when attempting to break Barcelona’s press and launch quick attacking transitions.

Meanwhile, Arda Guler is expected to operate on the right flank, adding another creative option to a setup that could also feature Jude Bellingham in an advanced midfield role.

Guler’s technical ability, vision and capacity to find spaces between the opposition’s defensive lines could prove valuable as Madrid look to break down Barcelona’s defensive organisation.

Mourinho’s reported plan is to combine physical strength, technical quality and tactical discipline in the middle of the pitch. By deploying Tchouameni and Camavinga centrally while allowing Guler to contribute creatively, Real Madrid will hope to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm and gain greater control of the decisive areas in what promises to be a fiercely contested El Clasico.