Mbappe in Form as Madrid Seeks Redemption Against Barcelona

Real Madrid will play Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first El Clasico of the 2025–26 La Liga season. The game will start at 4:15 p.m. local time. Madrid wants to take back control of Spain’s biggest football rivalry after losing all four matches last season.

Madrid is two points ahead of Barcelona at the top of the standings with new coach Xabi Alonso. A win would give Madrid a five-point lead and show that they are back on track after a rough 2024 season under Carlo Ancelotti.

Source: Al Jazeera

Alonso’s Madrid Looks to Build Momentum at Home

Madrid has been doing well at home, but some are still wondering how they will handle big games after losing to Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid earlier this year. Alonso’s aggressive style has boosted confidence, but there are still worries about the defense.

Fans think this Clasico will be a turning point for Alonso’s project. Madrid wants to show that they are getting better by beating the defending champions in front of a worldwide audience with the support of the Bernabeu crowd.

Mbappe’s Hot Streak Fuels Madrid’s Title Ambitions

Kylian Mbappe, the star striker, has been in great shape, hitting 10 of Madrid’s 20 La Liga goals and dominating Spain’s scoring rankings. He has scored 15 goals in all competitions, which is 54% of the team’s total.

Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are now the most important parts of Madrid’s assault. Alonso lauded his forward’s consistency, stating, “We’re very happy with how he’s playing; he’s decisive.” If Mbappe plays well, it might give Madrid a big edge in the fight for the championship.

Recommended Article: Rolex Doubles Down on SailGP Sponsorship Strategy

From Frustration to Confidence: Mbappe’s Redemption Arc

Last season, Mbappe’s first Clasico was frustrating since Barcelona won 4–0 at the Bernabeu. The Frenchman had trouble with offside traps and his confidence, which caused Spanish media to describe his performance as “shrunken and without venom.”

Since then, Mbappe has made a great comeback. He scored in both the Super Cup and the Copa del Rey finals, and then he scored three goals in a 4–3 thriller versus Barca. Even though Madrid lost, his play showed that their star forward was back in form before this season’s encounter.

Arda Güler Emerging as Madrid’s Creative Catalyst

Arda Güler, a young Turkish midfielder, has started to have a good relationship with Mbappe, who he often finds open behind defenders. Alonso talked about how effectively they work together, stating, “Arda gets between lines and finds Mbappe well.”

Madrid thinks that Güler’s vision will be a key weapon because Barcelona’s defense has been weak this season. The home team wants to take advantage of the holes left by Barcelona’s high defensive line, which may be a big problem for Madrid when they move quickly.

Yamal Headlines Barcelona’s Pre-Match Controversy

Teen star Lamine Yamal caused a stir before the game by saying online that “Real Madrid steals and complains.” Even though there has been a lot of talk about it, the 18-year-old will probably start on the right side. Assistant coach Marcus Sorg spoke up for the young player, claiming that the criticism “will motivate him.”

Yamal has a tough match against left-back Alvaro Carreras, who stopped him multiple times in last year’s Champions League matches. Barcelona hopes that Yamal’s ingenuity will make up for the loss of important players.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Barcelona still doesn’t have Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi, or Ter Stegen, and coach Hansi Flick is out of action after getting a red card. Sorg will be in charge from the sidelines. Frenkie de Jong is back, but Kounde is still not sure.

Real Madrid hopes to have Carvajal, Ceballos, and Alexander-Arnold back, although Rüdiger and Alaba will not be there.

Predicted lineups:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappe, and Vinicius.
Barcelona: Szczesny; E. Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran.

A Historic Rivalry Poised for Another Classic

This will be the 262nd El Clasico. Madrid has won 105 times and lost 104 times in the series. In addition to the points, pride and momentum are at stake.

With Mbappe in top form and Barcelona hurt, Sunday’s game should have plenty of drama, goals, and another spectacular chapter in football’s biggest rivalry.