…aim to open nine-point lead over rivals
Barcelona will aim to extend lead over arch Madrid to nine points when both teams meet in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 La Liga season at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.
The Spanish champions are six points ahead of their biggest rivals and will be hoping to increase the gap with a victory over Jose Mourinho’s side.
Barcelona have won all their nine league matches this season under coach Hansi Flick. However, they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
The Catalan side will be hoping to recover from the loss when they face Madrid, who recorded a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Despite their recent success in Europe, Madrid have struggled in the league, losing two of their first nine matches. They are currently third on the table and need a win to keep their title hopes alive.
A victory for Madrid will reduce the gap to three points, while a win for Barcelona will take them nine points clear of their rivals.
Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva admitted that Sunday’s match could have a big effect on the title race.
“It’s an important match, we’re not going to lie. We’re six points behind, and the gap could become three points, nine points, or remain at six. That makes a difference,” Silva said, according to FCB World.
He said Madrid must give their best against Barcelona, adding that the points at stake were important despite the season being at an early stage.
Young forward Yan Diomande also expressed confidence ahead of the match.
“I’m looking forward to playing in matches like these. We’re ready. We have confidence, and we’re going to give everything to win it,” he said.
Mourinho faces a big test in his return to the Real Madrid dugout as he prepares to face Flick’s Barcelona. During his first spell as Madrid coach, Mourinho won five, drew six and lost six of his 17 El Clasico matches.
Madrid will, however, miss some key players. Vinicius Junior is suspended following his red card against Villarreal, while Rodrygo Goes is out with a serious knee injury.
Defender Raul Asencio is also unavailable after breaking his leg, while Ferland Mendy remains doubtful as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead Madrid’s attack, with Diomande likely to take Vinicius’ place on the left wing. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are also expected to play important roles in midfield.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will hope their home advantage helps them return to winning ways. Flick has changed his starting line-up several times this season as he manages his players’ fitness and gives others opportunities.
Lamine Yamal remains one of Barcelona’s key players in attack, while Pedri and Pau Cubarsi are also expected to feature if fit.
Although Barcelona have been impressive in the league, their defeat to PSG has shown that they can be beaten. Madrid will hope to take advantage of this and secure a result that will bring them closer to the top of the table.
With Barcelona looking to extend their lead and Madrid desperate to close the gap, Sunday’s match is expected to be an important test for both teams
