After a bruising week in Europe, Atletico Madrid found the perfect way to respond. Diego Simeone’s men, who were torn apart in their 4–0 Champions League loss to Arsenal as reported by Softfootball, showed real character in Seville on Monday night, beating Real Betis 2–0 at the Estadio La Cartuja. As reported by Softfootball in the pre-game report, the victory came at just the right time for the visitors, who needed a lift after a tough week.

It took Atlético barely three minutes to strike. Giuliano Simeone, son of the coach, smashed in a well-taken volley after Betis failed to deal with a long throw from Dávid Hancko. It was a proper Simeone-style goal, scrappy, quick, and full of hunger. Betis, for all their possession and intent, couldn’t find a way through. They ended the night with more shots and the ball for longer spells, but Atleti’s defence, led superbly by José María Giménez and Robin Le Normand, never looked like cracking.

Just before halftime, Álex Baena put the game to bed with a classy finish. Julián Álvarez burst forward on the counter and slipped the ball wide, and Baena did the rest by cutting inside and curling a beauty into the far corner. That goal summed up what Atleti were about on the night: calm, clinical, and patient. It’s no wonder Simeone recently hailed Álvarez’s work rate and loyalty to the club, as Softfootball earlier reported.

Real Betis missed the spark of Isco, who is still recovering from a long-term fibula injury, and struggled to create much despite the efforts of Giovani Lo Celso and Abde Ezzalzouli. The latter came closest when his free kick smashed against Jan Oblak’s crossbar, a moment that drew gasps from the home crowd. Pellegrini’s side tried, but it wasn’t their night.

Oblak’s clean sheet bolsters Atletico’s nine-game unbeaten streak, positioning them as frontrunners in the 2025-26 title race after rebounding from a midweek Champions League loss. Atletico Madrid, via their official X account, shared an insightful video clip of goalkeeper Jan Oblak executing a pivotal save to deny a clear scoring chance and keep his team leading.

Watch the video below:

The GOATkeeper #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/KYZPPqECLf

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 27, 2025

By the end, Atlético were in full control, managing the game the way Simeone loves—disciplined, compact, and efficient. The win lifts them into fourth place with 19 points, while Betis stay sixth on 16. It also extends Atlético’s dominance in this fixture, as they have now beaten Betis in four of their last six meetings.

A gritty response, a clean sheet, and a reminder that under Simeone, Atlético always find a way back.

Barcelona returned to training on Monday, at Ciutat Esportiva, just a day after their 2–1 loss to Real Madrid in El Clásico. With the disappointment still fresh, focus quickly turned to the upcoming La Liga clash against Elche at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday evening.

Players who didn’t feature heavily in Madrid, including Jules Koundé, Ferran Torres, and youngsters Dro, Toni Fernández, and Jofre Torrents, led the session with high intensity as Hansi Flick looked to lift the team’s mood.

The biggest boost of the day came from Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited return to full training. Softfootball initially reported that the 37-year-old striker had been sidelined since early October with a left hamstring injury picked up on international duty. However, he completed the full session without any issues. His comeback is a timely relief for Flick, who’s had to depend on Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Ferran Torres in attack in recent weeks.

Barcelona updated the training information in a post made via their official X accouunt.

They Posted:

Monday session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper pic.twitter.com/lcltHmpbXb

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2025

On the downside, Raphinha remains unavailable. Softfootball understands that the Brazilian winger has suffered a setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury and will now be out for another month. He hasn’t trained with the group since testing himself last Friday and is officially ruled out for the Elche game.

Meanwhile, Koundé, who participated in the game against Real Madrid despite still nursing a knock, is expected to make the squad. Flick, however, fresh from serving his touchline ban after receiving a red card against Girona, will be hoping to lead his team to victory as he could only watch on from the stands as his team got beaten.

With Gavi, Ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, and Joan García still sidelined, Barça’s injury list remains long, but the sight of Lewandowski back among the group offers a welcome lift and renewed belief heading into the next stretch of the season.

Robert Lewandowski has revealed in a podcast with Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand that he was blown away at his first sight of Lamine Yamal, Softfootball reports.

The Polish international, who was missing from the El Clasico yesterday where Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 revealed he was shocked at the amount of talent possessed by the Spanish winger despite his young age.

Rio Ferdinand presents is the name of the official podcast and it had Robert Lewandowski as guest where he touch on the Yamal topic. He said:

First time, when I saw him in our training, he was 15. I have seen a lot of young talented years but he was different. When he was 16, I said to myself, it is impossible to be so good and so clever at this age.

Here is a video of the interview between Rio Ferdinand and Robert Lewandowski talking about Yamal. Watch below.

Robert Lewandowski describes his first training session with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona

CC: @rioferdy5, @lewy_official, #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/mibrJrjjJL

— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) October 26, 2025

Yamal graduated from the famous Barcelona academy, LA Masia and has not looked back ever since, becoming the youngest player to appear in and score at a major international tournament, winning the Kopa Trophy, and being a key player in Barcelona’s domestic treble.

Yamal was the youngest goalscorer in an El Clásico, Copa del Rey, and for Barcelona’s first team at just 16 years old. He was also the youngest player to start a La Liga game and provide an assist in La Liga.

Yamal was a key member of the Barcelona team that won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España in 2024/25. And claimed the Kopa Trophy for the best young player in the world in 2024 and 2025.

Also, Yamal became the youngest player to make 100 appearances for Barcelona. And at just 16-year-old played at UEFA Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. He went on to become the youngest player to appear in the tournament.

Yamal was also the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history and became the youngest player to play in the final and win a major international trophy.

Yamal was named the Young Player of the Tournament and his goal against France was the Goal of the Tournament. Not forgetting that he was also the youngest assist provider in the European Championship.

Music superstar Ed Sheeran and Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol watched the El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in New York City together, Softfootball reports.

Both men celebrated Fermín Lopez’s goal when cancelled out Kylian Mbappe’s opener but Jude Bellingham scored the winner as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona posted Ed Sheeran and Carlos Puyol via their official X handle, as they celebrated the Barcelona equalizer.

@edsheeran and @Carles5Puyol celebrated Fermín's goal in New York City@spotify pic.twitter.com/PF70ZSOf3E

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 26, 2025

Earlier this year, Ed Sheeran partnered with FC Barcelona and Spotify, and his album logo, “Play,” appeared on the team’s jerseys for the El Clásico match. This collaboration is part of Barcelona’s ongoing partnership with Spotify to merge music and football, with Sheeran becoming the first male British solo artist to feature on the shirt. The special kit was also worn by the women’s team during their game against Granada earlier this month.

Interestingly, English players made impact in the El Clasico, Marcus Rashford playing in the derby for the first time since he joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United provided the assist for Fermin Lopez’s equaliser while Jude Bellingham scored the winner for Real Madrid.

Barcelona are now five points behind Real Madrid on the LaLiga table. The Los Blancos has 27 points after 10 matches while Barcelona are second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this campaign.

After Real Madrid’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona on October 26, 2025, the El Clásico conversation exploded across X. Some Madrid fans celebrated with pride, others urged caution, while several Barça supporters went defensive or outright frustrated.

The mix of emotions painted a raw, messy picture of football passion, the kind that only a Clásico can spark. before taking fans’ reactions Softfootball initially reported Rodyrgo Goes’s reaction, describing the victory over Barcelona as a great experience.

For Madridista Gabriel Lucin @GabrielLucin1 on X, the win was more about exposing Barcelona’s overconfidence than anything else. His tone was cutting, maybe even taunting. Gabriel’s post captured the rivalry’s essence, pride in victory and a jab at Barça’s endless pre-match talk.

He posted:

Be thankful that Madrid wasn’t on point and on top of that Mbappé missed a penalty because otherwise you’d have gotten thrashed  They spent months talking and talking about how they were gonna smash Madrid and now they gotta talk about refs and the hospital 

On the other side, Great Ike @GreatIke7 on X sounded irritated by what he saw as Madrid’s exaggerated celebrations. His words were blunt and a bit chaotic, teasing the los balncos over the board celebration. He referenced Lamine Yamal, the teenage Barcelona forward who continues to haunt Madrid despite his age.

He tweeted:

Madrid won the World Cup why are they celebrating like someone who have won you 4 times last season and you’re jubilating for winning today ,you guys don’t have sense ..18 years guy giving you guys a nightmare

El LeoTumbatecho @lesq1978 on X offered a more heartfelt take, shifting the spotlight from goals to comebacks as one of the returning stars, Militao, played a very huge role in the victory. For him, the match meant more than points, it was about resilience and relief.

He posted;

The best news of all is Militão’s return. He’s coming back after 2 fucking torn ligaments!!! It’s soon but it looks good. Hopefully they don’t force him like last year.

Meanwhile, Mateo369 @MateoXXIw on X expressed deep worry about Barcelona’s direction. His tone was mournful, almost poetic, lamenting the clubs decision to sanction Inigo Martinez’s move to Saudi Arabia, claiming that team lack a natural defensive leader and a solid defensive identity.

He tweeted:

Getting rid of Inigo Martinez without a fight No Raphinha No Lewandowski No Gavi No defensive general No team heart No team scorer No team lungs The club and its fans will only fully appreciate this when they lose it completely.

The same sentiment was shared by عبدالمحسن العَسيري @asmd_85 on X, calaiming that the team needs goo options and Capabale alternatives in defenc.

He wrote:

We need to find solutions in defense, since continuing with this situation will cost the team dearly. There must also be an effective alternative, and the team must not be affected by the absence of a player due to injury or suspension.

Then came Bader alharbi @mw_bader on X, frustrated by young Yamal’s recent comments in interviews. He wanted discipline and respect for tradition from the youngstar who has been careless with his post-match interview.

He lamented:

I hope the club and the coach put an end to Yamal’s childish statements. He has caused unnecessary pressure on his teammates on the field. Everyone who has worn the number 10 has been a legend of the club, so I ask Laporta’s management to respect the Barça badge and the number 10

And finally, Madrid supporter RealMadrid 9ja @RealMadrid9ja on X summed up the night with quiet confidence, claiming that the unfortunate loss to Atletico has been the only blemish to their campaign so far.

We deserve to be at the top. The loss to Athletico Madrid was quite unfortunate though.

In the end, the reactions tell the full story, Madrid’s redemption, Barcelona’s frustration, and the unfiltered noise that makes El Clásico more than just a game. It’s pride, Its rivalry, its chaos, and its love, all the things that makes the round leether game very beautiful.

Rodrygo Goes has described Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday evening as a great win, Softfootball reports.

Despite Lamine Yamal’s mind games before the encounter accusing the Los Blancos of always complaining and getting favourable refereeing calls, Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in the first El Clasico played in the season.

Writing on his official X handle after the victory, Rodrygo was obviously elated by what he and his teammates achieved in the game. He wrote:

Una gran victoria en nuestra casa HALA MADRID Y NADA MÁS  . This in English means: A great victory at our home HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE.

Interestingly, Rodrygo started from the bench as fellow Brazilian Vinicius Junior was preferred in the left side of attack for Real Madrid. The home side took the lead through new signing Kylian Mbappe after his initial effort was ruled out for offside.

Barcelona fought their way back into the match as Spain international Fermin Lopez equalised for the away side but the Los Blancos had the last laugh as English star, Jude Bellingham scored to make it 2-1. Barcelona finished the game with 10-men as Pedri was sent off late in the match.

Real Madrid extends their lead ontop of LaLiga to 27 points while Barcelona remain second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this season.

Xabi Alonso brushed off Vinícius Júnior’s angry reaction to being subbed during Real Madrid’s massive 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu, choosing instead to highlight the positives from a heated El Clásico. He revealed this in his match reaction via sports expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.

Fabrixio Posted:

Xabi Alonso on Vini’s reaction to the change: Let me focus on beautiful things, good things. We did great and Vini was a big part of it, he did very well. We will talk about his reaction, for sure we will… we will do it in private. Now I want to focus on good things.

Madrid were sharper on the night, pulling five points clear at the top of LaLiga. Kylian Mbappé was amongst the heroes of the night as he opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing coolly after Jude Bellingham sliced through the Barça defence with a neat pass; this was Mbappé’s 12th goal in just nine games against the Catalans.

Barcelona did respond, though. Fermín López pounced on a sloppy touch from Arda Güler to equalise in the 38th minute. But their joy didn’t last long; five minutes later, Bellingham tapped home from close range after Éder Militão nodded Vinícius’ teasing cross back across the goal.

Vinícius was electric before the change came in the 72nd minute. He’d completed five of six dribbles, drawn fouls, and created chances that kept Barça guessing. When Alonso decided to replace him, though, the Brazilian didn’t take it well; he gestured angrily and walked straight down the tunnel. Assistant coach Sebas Parrilla tried to calm him, while Rodrygo offered a quick word on the bench, but Vini wasn’t having it.

Still, Alonso played down any tension afterwards, insisting the matter would be handled quietly within the dressing room.

Softfootball reports that the win was Madrid’s 12th in 13 games this season, a strong response after their shock 5-2 defeat to Atlético earlier this month. Barça, meanwhile, slumped to their third league loss, once again guilty of wasting too many chances. Mbappé missed a second-half penalty, Szczęsny guessed right, and Pedri saw red late on, sparking a mini scuffle on the sidelines.

All told, it was another fierce night in Madrid, drama, goals, tempers, everything you’d expect from El Clásico.

Real Madrid finally got one over Barcelona again, grinding out a tense 2–1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26, 2025. It wasn’t the cleanest performance, but it was enough, as Softfootball reports that the result sends Los Blancos five points clear on top of LaLiga.

In the pre-game reports Softfootball predicted a 2-2 draw. And despite Madrid’s win, the game saw 3 goals in a very frantic encounter. Kylian Mbappé, who just seems to live for nights like this, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a perfect pass from Jude Bellingham split Barça’s line wide open. Cool finish, no nerves, and that’s already 16 goals this season, numbers we have gotten to expect from a superstar of his standards.

However, Barcelona looked to react immediately and they did. In the 38th minute, as Arda Güler gave the ball away cheaply, Fermín López made them pay with a low drive into the corner, sending the Bernabéu quiet for a bit. However the momentum to the defending champions didn’t last long, though. Barely five minutes later, Bellingham was there to tap home after Éder Militão headed Vinícius Júnior’s cross back across goal.

The game got scrappy in the second half as tempers flared and legs got heavy. Kylian Mbappé had the chance to extend Real Madrid’s lead but missed a penalty following Eric García’s controversial handball, with Szczęsny guessing right and keeping the scoreline respectable. Barça tried pushing late, but Madrid’s backline stayed solid.

And then came the chaos. Pedri was sent off deep in stoppage time after a clumsy tackle. and the game up till the end was marred by brawls and shoves, as Madrid players tried to confront Lamine Yamal following his provocative rant against the capital-based team. Fabrizio Romano posted the video via his official X account.

Watch the video below;

Carvajal, Vini Jr & co vs Lamine Yamal after El Clásico: “You speak too much. Speak now”. @defcentral pic.twitter.com/BSgOX9hdws

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 26, 2025

After the game, team captain Dani Carvajal appreciated the fans for the magical atmosphere they created at the Santiago Bernabéu in a video uploaded via the team’s official X account.

Watch the video below:

@DaniCarvajal92: "Hello Madridistas, we witnessed an incredible atmosphere today! Thank you so much, a part of this victory belongs to you. We have to keep going, we stay top of the table and let's go for more!" pic.twitter.com/Nk731rch1m

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 26, 2025

Madrid stay unbeaten in 13 of 14 matches now, and Xabi Alonso’s men look locked in. Barcelona, meanwhile, looked tired and lacked initiative, maybe missing their pressing talisman in Raphinha, who was unavailable for this game due to nagging injuries.

For Barcelona this is their third league loss already, and the frustration is starting to show on the pitch, in the dugout, and everywhere as fans and pundits highly condemn this timid performance.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has shared his thoughts ahead of their La Liga showdown with Real Betis tomorrow, describing Manuel Pellegrini’s men as brave, dynamic, and defensively solid, Softfootball reports.

Speaking to the media, the Argentine tactician assessed Betis’ recent form and emphasized the need for focus as Atlético aim to bounce back from their 4-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Arsenal earlier this week, a result that left fans demanding a strong response from the team.

According to Atlético Madrid who shared an excerpt from the manager’s press conference via their official X handle, Simeone said:

El Betis has a brave attack, dynamic players in the final stretch of the game, and is defending well.

SoftFootball understands that Atlético also shared the full press conference on their official YouTube channel, giving fans an inside look at Simeone’s pre-match thoughts, tactical insights, and reflections on the team’s current form.

A victory against Betis would provide a timely morale boost for Los Rojiblancos, as they look to regain momentum in La Liga and reassert themselves among the title contenders under Simeone’s guidance.

Additionally, Atlético will have a golden opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona, who face each other in this weekend’s El Clásic, meaning one of the two Spanish giants is guaranteed to drop points.

Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has played down any contract speculation surrounding Julián Álvarez, insisting the Argentine forward remains fully focused and happy at the club.

Speaking ahead of their upcoming La Liga fixture against Betis, Simeone cut his usual composed figure when asked about Álvarez’s future. The 25-year-old forward, who joined Atlético from Manchester City last summer, has been one of the standout performers this season, justifying why former manager Pep Guardiola revealed he was too good for a secondary role, and now rumours about a new deal have already started flying around.

Softfootball understands that Simeone, however, didn’t seem too interested in the noise and replied that he isn’t bothered about the Argentine’s contract; he is only happy that the player is happy, he was quoted by Fabrizio Romano in a post made via the sports analyst’s official X account.

He tweeted:

Diego Simeone on Julián Álvarez’s contract situation: I don’t get involved in contracts but I see him happy to be here. The club knows what’s best for the club. I see Julián fully committed.

That commitment has been evident on the field. Álvarez has not only adapted quickly to Simeone’s intense system but also brought fresh energy to Atlético’s attack, often dropping deep to link play and pressing tirelessly off the ball, exactly the kind of attitude the coach demands. He even earned praise from his manager earlier after that hat trick against Rayo Vallecano.

For Simeone, what matters isn’t whether Álvarez signs a new deal this week or next season, but that the player keeps giving his all in red and white. As long as he’s smiling, training hard, and delivering, that’s what counts, and with Atlético pushing to stay in the title race, Simeone’s trust in Álvarez’s dedication could prove key in keeping the team united amid all the outside chatter.

There’s something special brewing in Seville this Tuesday night as Real Betis welcome Atletico Madrid to the Estadio de La Cartuja for a pivotal Matchday 10 encounter. Both sides are level on 16 points, sitting fifth and sixth, respectively, and while it’s still early in the season, this feels like a match that could shape their European hopes.

For Atletico Madrid, the timing couldn’t be trickier. Just days ago, they were humbled 4–0 by Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, as reported by Softfootball. Diego Simeone’s men looked lost that night, and the coach will expect a fiery response in Seville.

Julian Alvarez, who’s been sensational with eight goals and three assists, could be key once again. As reported by Softfootball, Pep Guardiola recently spoke about the Argentine forward, saying that Alvarez deserved to play more, and he’s surely proving that now.

Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis are quietly flying. They battled to a 2–2 draw with Villarreal, then ground out a 0–0 away at Genk in the Europa League—stretching their unbeaten run to eight matches. Betis look confident, and their home form has been superb, with just one defeat in their last twelve La Liga home fixtures.

Team News

Real Betis: Isco remains out with a fractured fibula. Antony, in good touch with three goals, will likely start on the right. Amrabat could return after missing midweek action.
Atletico Madrid: Johnny Cardoso is doubtful, but Koke, Oblak, and Gimenez are ready to go. Simeone might not change much tactically despite that Arsenal defeat.

Possible Lineups

Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Valles; Ruibal, Bartra, Gómez, Rodríguez; Altimira, Deossa; Antony, Lo Celso, Riquelme; Bakambu.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Hancko; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez; Sorloth, Alvarez.

Real Betis posted on their official X account to build excitement for their LaLiga home match against Atlético Madrid, highlighting the emotional return to familiar grounds after recent away fixtures.

Two days to be at home again #RealBetisAtleti pic.twitter.com/cyjGbrUsFR

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) October 25, 2025

Softfootball’s Prediction

Betis have not lost in their last eight and look sharp at home. Atletico’s away form of no wins in six remains a concern. Expect intensity, maybe a bit of chaos. Betis might just snatch it.

Prediction: Real Betis 2–1 Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has spoken ahead of tomorrow’s El Clásico showdown against Barcelona, underlining the magnitude of the fixture and the need for full intensity from his players and supporters alike.

The Spanish tactician has enjoyed a strong start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu and will be eager to extend that form in one of football’s biggest rivalries.

Real Madrid via its official X handle shared an excerpt from the pre match conference. Alonso, who has been praised for restoring confidence and structure to the Madrid squad, emphasized the emotional weight of the encounter during his press conference. They posted:

@XabiAlonso
Press conference RM Play pic.twitter.com/e3ch4gBCbj

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 25, 2025

SoftFootball understands that Alonso has also received high praise from his players, particularly Arda Güler, who has been an integral part of the squad since the Spaniard took over. Güler is said to admire Alonso’s tactical approach and man-management, with sources close to the team describing their bond as “mutually inspiring.”

Real Madrid posted the Pre Match Conference link on their official X page, the los blancos fans can catch the full interview of head coach Xabi Alonso speaking about the El Classico coming up tomorrow. They posted:

https://t.co/GzkOrVR04b

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 25, 2025

With both teams separated by just a few points at the top of the table, tomorrow’s clash could have a major say in the La Liga title race. The Bernabéu faithful are expected to create a charged atmosphere as Alonso aims to continue his impressive run and solidify Real Madrid’s dominance under his new era

The first El Clásico of the season arrives with Real Madrid sitting two points clear of their arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and they’ll look to strengthen their grip on the title race with a statement victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s men are in outstanding form, having won four straight matches across all competitions, conceding just once in that span, Softfootball reports.

Their most recent outing, a 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus showcased their growing defensive solidity and composure under pressure. That resilience followed their only defeat of the campaign, a humbling 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, which now feels firmly behind them.

Alonso, who famously played in 20 Clásicos during his career, will be keen to break a managerial curse, seven of Real’s last eight managers have lost their first league game against Barcelona. But home advantage could prove decisive, as Los Blancos have won eight consecutive home league matches, their longest such streak since 2015.

A mix of experience and attacking brilliance led by Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 11 goals in just eight games against Barcelona, could see Madrid edge another chapter in this historic rivalry.

Defending champions Barcelona travel to Madrid with renewed confidence after a resounding 6-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiacos, and with an extra day of rest on their side. Despite a string of injuries to key forwards, Hansi Flick’s men continue to fire up front leading the league in goals scored while showing mental strength after conceding first in four of their nine league games.

That fighting spirit will be crucial at the Bernabéu, where Barca will seek to avoid back-to-back league defeats on the road after their 4-1 loss to Sevilla, a result that ended their impressive 15-match unbeaten away run.

The Catalan side have dominated this fixture recently, winning all four El Clásicos last season, including two in finals, scoring at least three goals in each. A fifth successive victory over Real would mark a new modern-era milestone for the Blaugrana.

Lamine Yamal, who tormented Madrid last season with three goals and two assists across their meetings, will again be a key figure, especially if he can exploit Madrid’s high defensive line. With attacking fluency restored and their title rivals within touching distance, Barcelona will arrive in Madrid hungry to reclaim top spot.

It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle, They posted:

𝑺𝑸𝑼𝑨𝑫 𝑳𝑰𝑺𝑻 #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/o9LOCDmBNv

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 25, 2025

Team News

Real Madrid have received positive injury news ahead of the clash, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen all nearing full fitness. Xabi Alonso will again turn to Kylian Mbappé, who has been prolific in this fixture and will look to continue his fine form in front of goal. The Frenchman’s combination with Vinícius Júnior has been central to Madrid’s recent attacking dominance.

The los Blancos side shared an update with fans through its official X handle, posting the official squad list of the players to face Barcelona tomorrow. They posted:

Our squad for the match!
@FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/jGOGSuhyyv

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 25, 2025

Barcelona, meanwhile, are hopeful that Raphinha will be fit to make his return after training with the squad this week. Xavi will count on the creativity of Pedri and the composure of Frenkie de Jong in midfield to control the tempo. Expect Lamine Yamal to start on the right, where his pace and trickery could again cause problems for Madrid’s backline.

Possible Lineups

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Szczesny; E Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran

The blaugrana club through its official X handle shared an exclusive video of the team arriving at Madrid airport ahead of the clash tomorrow. They posted:

Let's go to Madrid @spotify @edsheeran pic.twitter.com/9nJ0miSQdj

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 25, 2025

SoftFootball Prediction

With both sides in free-scoring form and packed with attacking talent, this edition of El Clásico promises fireworks. Real Madrid’s home advantage and defensive discipline under Alonso could be the deciding factor, but Barcelona’s sharpness and belief after their Olympiacos rout make them dangerous opponents. Expect a tight, high-intensity clash with both teams likely to score.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–2 Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has shared a glimpse into his calm and methodical pre-match routine in a video posted by Barcelona on their official X account, offering fans a more personal look at how he prepares for game day. The England international, who joined Barcelona after a turbulent Manchester United spell, has been open about his renewed focus and mindset since moving to Spain, as Softfootball reported about his revived confidence and joy for the game.

In the video, Rashford begins with a typical morning rhythm. He said with a grin:

I’ll probably wake up maybe 45 minutes before breakfast, open the curtains, relax for a minute, take a shower, then go for breakfast. I’ll have some porridge and eggs.

The forward explained that after team meetings and tactical briefings, he returns to his room to rest — sometimes napping, sometimes just lying back. He laughed, prompting the interviewer’s surprise:

Then I’ll probably take another shower.

That light moment quickly turned into talk of nutrition. He added:

We’ll have our pre-match meal — maybe some pasta or a bit of protein, something like that.

Rashford admitted he hadn’t eaten lunch yet, before noting that music and the team bus journey usually round off his preparation.

Watch the video below:

Rashford takes us through his pre-match routine! pic.twitter.com/4H7AAVQaRR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 25, 2025

Rashford’s attention to detail and routine discipline reflect a mindset shaped by years under elite managers — a drive inspired partly by Cristiano Ronaldo’s professionalism, as Softfootball once reported. With Raphinha sidelined, as reported by Softfootball, Rashford’s consistency will be vital as Barcelona prepare for El Clásico.

It’s another frustrating twist for Barcelona, as Raphinha’s long-awaited comeback looks set to be delayed again. The Brazilian winger walked off Friday’s training session on October 24, 2025, after feeling a new discomfort that left fans worried all over again, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.

Just when it seemed like he was ready to return for Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid, things turned around quickly. The winger had been pushing hard for a return following Barcelona’s 6–1 rout of Olympiacos in midweek, as reported by Softfootball.

People close to the club say he spoke briefly with the medical team before leaving the pitch looking frustrated. He was expected to get the green light to play, maybe even start, but that’s now off the table. Hansi Flick, who recently said Barcelona always wanted to keep Fermin López, as reported by Softfootball, might have to turn to the youngster again, just like he did in midweek.

Raphinha’s story this season has been stop-start. The first injury came on September 25 against Real Oviedo, and after weeks of rehab, things looked promising. Now, medical staff believe he will be out for about another month. It’s tough luck for a player who has been desperate to help the team, especially with such a massive fixture ahead.

Flick’s problems keep piling up. He’s missing Gavi, Ter Stegen, Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, and to make matters worse, he’ll be watching El Clásico from the stands due to his suspension. Without Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres might get the nod, though both have their own knocks and moments of inconsistency.

Raphinha left today’s training session after good feelings yesterday to get the green light.

He’s expected to miss El Clásico after new physical issues felt today, reports @gerardromero. pic.twitter.com/N8cQBmEgrD

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 24, 2025

At this point, Barcelona can only hope the injury doesn’t linger too long. Raphinha brings energy, flair, and that bit of chaos defenders hate. Losing him again right before Real Madrid feels like déjà vu for Flick and his squad.