Barcelona will aim to extend their lead over Real Madrid to nine points when both sides meet in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 La Liga season at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.

Hansi Flick’s side have won all nine of their league matches but head into the encounter following a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in Europe but have lost two of their opening nine league games, leaving them third on the table.

A victory for Madrid would reduce Barcelona’s lead to three points, while a win for the hosts would widen the gap to nine points.

Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva described the match as crucial to the title race, while young forward Yan Diomande expressed confidence in the team’s chances.

Mourinho will face a major test against his former rivals but must cope without Vinicius Junior, who is suspended, and Rodrygo Goes, who is out with a serious knee injury.