El Clasico Form Guide - Who has the edge in the battle for LaLiga dominance?

The biggest rivalry in world football returns to the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday, with league leaders Real Madrid aiming to halt a painful four-match losing streak against a resurgent Barcelona side.

The first El Clasico of the 2025/26 LaLiga season kicks off on Sunday, October 26, at the Santiago Bernabeu, pitting Xabi Alonso's high-flying Real Madrid against Hansi Flick's dynamic Barcelona. 

Just two points separate the historic rivals, with Madrid sitting top on 24 points (8 wins, 1 loss) and Barcelona close behind on 22 points (7 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) after nine matchdays. 

This fixture is not just for bragging rights; it is a decisive battle for early dominance in the Spanish title race, amplified by Madrid's hunger for revenge after four straight defeats to the Catalans last season.

Real Madrid’s form has been ruthless under Xabi Alonso this term. Los Blancos are perfect at home, boasting 4 wins from 4 league games at the Bernabéu, and have secured 8 wins from 9 overall. 

They've scored 20 goals and conceded just 9 in the league. However, the shadow of last season still looms, as Barcelona dominated the rivalry with four wins across all competitions.

The spearhead of Madrid’s attack is undeniably Kylian Mbappe, who is the league's top scorer with a sensational 10 goals in 9 games. 

As Alonso stated last week, “We are very happy with his performance, he's being decisive." However, the home side is dealing with a patchwork defense, with major concerns over the fitness of centre-back David Alaba, who joins Antonio Rudiger on the treatment table. 

A heavily reliant performance will be expected from midfield maestro Jude Bellingham to control the tempo.

• Who’s Hot: Kylian Mbappe (10 goals in 9 games).

• Who’s Not: Rodrygo - Struggling for consistency/goal drought

Key Stat: Real Madrid is undefeated in 10 straight home matches across all competitions.

After a slight stumble earlier in the month, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have found their rhythm, most recently smashing Olympiacos 6-1 in the Champions League. 

While the Blaugrana have struggled with injuries to key players like striker Robert Lewandowski and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, their young stars are stepping up.

Lamine Yamal, the electric 18-year-old winger, has been a standout performer who loves the big stage, having already scored in three of Barca's four wins over Madrid last term. 

Another major threat is English forward Marcus Rashford, who has transitioned well and is now expected to shoulder a large part of the attacking duties in Lewandowski’s absence. Barcelona also holds a strong psychological edge, winning 4 of the last 5 Clásicos.

• Who’s Hot: Lamine Yamal, the fearlessness of the youngster could be decisive.

• Who’s not: Raphinha - Injury/Lack of Fitness

Key Stat: Barcelona leads the recent head-to-head, winning 4 of the last 5 competitive meetings.

The game will be a philosophical clash: Alonso's high-pressing, structured attack versus Flick's fast, fluid, and direct approach. 

The midfield battle between Madrid's Bellingham and Barcelona's Pedri will be crucial in deciding the match's tempo. 

Madrid's defense, even in its injured state, must contain Barcelona's league-leading goal tally of 24 goals, while their offside trap will be tested, given Barca has been caught offside 44 times this season, the highest in Europe's top five leagues.

Historically, the all-time official competitive record is Real Madrid 105 wins to Barcelona's 104, making this perhaps the most closely balanced fixture in world football. 

Given Madrid's perfect home record and Mbappe's unstoppable scoring run, the home side may just edge it, but expect goals from both sides.