Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With the Spanish Super Cup up for grabs on Sunday night, arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet over in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona
Starting with Barcelona, recapturing their La Liga crown and dethroning their arch-rivals last season, few would have expected the impact that Hansi Flick has made since arriving in Catalonia back in February 2024. Extending on their Super Cup adventure earlier in the week as they cruised their way to an ethic 5-0 romp against Athletic Bilbao, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his superstar squad gain a string of plaudits from across the globe. Getting the New Year underway with a 2-0 win away at local foes Espanyol, Barca have won all of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions. Getting 2026 underway holding a four-point buffer at the top of the table, Flick’s men have their sights set on completing an historic domestic silverware sweep this season.
Barcelona Team News
Undergoing knee surgery last year and not making a single appearance since the end of August, Spanish international Gavi remains on the sidelines. Handed an extended break back in November so that he could focus on his mental health, Ronald Araujo has not travelled to Saudi Arabia.
Settling for a spot on the bench earlier in the week and only making a brief cameo appearance, 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will be handed a full recall. Likewise, making a real impact since arriving from Manchester United on a season-long loan, England international Marcus Rashford should feature.
Real Madrid
As for Real Madrid, while Los Blancos might have found themselves at the heart of an extended wobble on either side of November’s international break, Xabi Alonso has certainly eased some of the pressure on his shoulders. Punching their ticket to Jeddah thanks to a 2-1 victory against bitter local foes Atletico earlier in the week, the former Spanish champions have won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Enjoying their most fruitful spell from over the past couple of months, Madrid will also be excited by their most recent El Clasico showdown. Securing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed their arch-rivals to the Spanish capital back on October 26th, Alonso’s men claimed a 2-1 win and the former Bayer Leverkusen boss will be dreaming of a repeat display in the Middle East.
Real Madrid Team News
In what looks set to be a huge boost for Los Blancos this weekend, attacking talisman and leading marksman Kylian Mbappe is expected to join up with Alonso’s squad ahead of Sunday’s showdown. However, Brazilian international Eder Militao remains on the sidelines with another hamstring injury.
Recently returning from a muscle issue, French ace Ferland Mendy should get some more minutes under his belt. While striking superstar Vinicius Junior might have remarkably failed to find the net across any competition since way back in October, the 25-year-old will spearhead Los Blancos’ charge in the final third.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Real Madrid last met for a La Liga showdown back on October 26th, Los Blancos claimed a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- However, the reigning Spanish champions have won each of their other five meetings against their arch-rivals across all competitions.
- Barcelona have won all of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all formats.
- Winning all of their last five showdowns across all front, Los Blancos are enjoying their most fruitful spell since the start of November.
- Each of the last 10 competitive meetings Barcelona and Real Madrid across all competitions.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on the Middle East this weekend, we look set for what is a mouth-watering El Clasico battle on Sunday night. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they travelled to the Bernabeu for a La Liga showdown on October 26th, Barcelona will be seeking some immediate revenge in Jeddah. Crowned Super Cup champions last year following a sensational 5-2 victory against their arch-rivals, we could be treated to more fireworks in Saudi Arabia. It should also be highlighted, all of the last 10 competitive battles between Barcelona and Real Madrid have finished with both teams finding the net.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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