Clasico Clash: Barcelona Braces for Absences as Madrid’s Firepower Roars
25 October 2025
Ahead of Clasico: injuries and squad depth
All eyes turn to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday as the tenth La Liga clash pits Real Madrid against Barcelona.
Barcelona wrap up their preparations in Madrid, with a mix of concern and relief in the Catalan camp as they head into the Clasico.
The main worry is the forward line injuries, while there is relief over the possible return of Jules Koundé in the final training session.
Barcelona's traveling squad even includes eight defenders, signaling a cautious approach for a tough test away from home.
Christensen was ruled out after viral symptoms, forcing Xavi to rethink the backline and bolster defensive depth.
To cover all bases, Flick has added eight defenders to the traveling party, signaling a conservative plan against a potent Madrid frontline.
Barça's attacking crisis deepens with Lewandowski, Olmo, and Rafinha sidelined, making Ferran Torres’s return and the involvement of young Lamine Yamal crucial.
Torres is expected to lead the line, Fermín López could operate as the number 10, Pedri will drop in to link play, and Frenkie de Jong returns to a deeper midfield role.
In defense, the key question is who partners Jules Koundé, with Eric García favored alongside the other options.
According to Sport, Barça’s predicted XI features Chesney in goal, Koundé, Kobarci, García, Balde in defense, De Jong, Pedri, López in midfield, and Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford up front.
On the Real Madrid side, the team looks more settled, though there is curiosity at the right-back position, with Valverde or Carvajal a potential start.
Militao anchors the backline with a partner to be decided, while Courtois remains in goal and the defense balances with a mix of experience and pace.
The midfield features Chouaméni, Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, with a talented frontline of Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé ready to exploit Barcelona's defense.
Expect a tactical duel from the opening whistle, as Barcelona seek to control midfield and Madrid rely on speed and movement to create chances.
The match carries big implications for the title race and the mood around both clubs.
A Madrid win would lift confidence; a Barca victory would demonstrate their depth is more than on paper.
Bottom line: it should be a Clasico to remember.
PUNCHLINE 1: Barcelona's injury list is so long, it could qualify for a medical conference.
PUNCHLINE 2: Madrid's attack looks so ready that even the ball is sweating in anticipation.
