Barcelona XI vs Real Madrid: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for El Clasico
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has a few selection dilemmas on his hands for this weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
The German tactician knows the importance of a positive result at home to Los Blancos. Avoid defeat and Barca will have one hand on the LaLiga trophy with three games remaining afterwards.
Ahead of the latest El Clasico, Flick has been boosted by the return of Alejandro Balde to training. The left-back has not featured since sustaining a hamstring injury in the win over Leganes last month, but is in contention to start against Real Madrid.
That said, Gerard Martin has performed well in Balde’s absence so it’s not quite a straightforward decision.
On the opposite flank, Eric Garcia is likely to deputise for Jules Kounde – scorer of a dramatic winning goal in the Copa del Rey final a fortnight ago – whilst Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez could continue in central defence.
Flick has already confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will get the nod over Marc-Andre ter Stegen in between the posts.
In attack, Robert Lewandowski is pushing for a start after making his comeback as a substitute as Barcelona were beaten by Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.
Should the Poland international start, it is likely that Ferran Torres will make way with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha completing an attack that should relish the opportunity of going up against a makeshift Real Madrid defence.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Eric, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Injured: Kounde, Bernal
Doubts: Balde, Torre, Casado
Time and date: 3.15pm BST on Sunday May 11, 2025
How to watch: Premier Sports
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
