The most anticipated game of the season is upon us as Real Madrid take on fierce rivals Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the campaign on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso's side have bounced back from their 5-2 humiliation at the hands of local rivals Atletico Madrid to win their next four games across all competitions, including a 1-0 win over Juventus in their last outing in the Champions League.
Similarly, after two consecutive losses to PSG and Sevilla, Barcelona seem to have turned things around with a narrow win over Sevilla in the league, followed by a 6-1 thumping of Olympiacos in Europe.
This clash could also have ramifications on the title race, with Real Madrid currently occupying first place with 24 points, with Barcelona closely following them with 22 points.
AllSportsPeople looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: ESPN 2
Live stream: ESPN Select, ESPN App
This game is available for live TV broadcast in the English Language on ESPN 2. Streaming options are available on ESPN Select and the ESPN App.
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What time does Real Madrid vs. Barcelona kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain and kicks off on Sunday, October 26 at 5:15 p.m. Local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Oct. 26 | 11:15 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Oct. 26 | 10:15 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Oct. 26 | 9:15 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Oct. 26 | 8:15 a.m. |
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona lineups, team news
Alonso's biggest issues remain in defence, where centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, along with right-backs Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are sidelined. The latter two may be available for the Clasico, but it seems more likely that Federico Valverde will continue in that role. Dean Huijsen could start at the heart of defence in place of Raul Asencio, provided that the former Bournemouth man is passed fit.
Jude Bellingham will probably be deployed as a No. 10 with something of a free role if Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni anchor the midfield behind him. Alonso has been full of praise for the Turkey international of late, and he may well keep his place ahead of Eduardo Camavinga.
Kylian Mbappe will hope to continue his electric recent form, while Vinicius Junior may see this as a chance to underline his worth. If he delivers another unconvincing display in a big game, his future will come under greater scrutiny.
Real Madrid predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (GK) — Valverde, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras — Tchouameni, Guler — Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinicius — Mbappe
Injured: Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Alaba, Carvajal, Mendy
Suspended: None
Hansi Flick is not likely to make too many alterations to the team that thrashed Olympiacos, unless one or two players are given the medical all-clear to return this weekend.
Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford are believed to have played their way into the starting lineup after their performances in midweek, although Ferran Torres could get the nod at No. 9 if he has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring strain. It is also hoped that Raphinha will at least make the matchday squad after a lay-off with a similar issue.
Wojciech Szczesny will likely keep his place in goal as Joan Garcia is not expected back until November. Ronald Araujo could come into the back four in place of Eric Garcia.
Frenkie de Jong should return to the lineup to partner Marc Casado, with Pedri deployed as the No. 10, assuming neither Torres nor Raphinha is able to start.
Barcelona predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde — De Jong, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Lopez — Rashford
Injured: Garcia, Gavi, Lewandowski, Olmo, Raphinha (doubt), Ter Stegen
Suspended: None
La Liga schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, October 24
- Real Betis vs. Sevilla (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, October 25
- Girona vs. Real Oviedo (8:00 a.m.)
- Espanyol vs. Elche (10:15 a.m.)
- Athletic Club vs. Getafe (12:30 p.m.)
- Valencia vs. Villarreal (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday, October 26
- Mallorca vs. Levante (9:00 a.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (11:15 a.m.)
- Osasuna vs. Celta de Vigo (1:30 p.m.)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Deportivo Alaves (4:00 p.m.)
Monday, October 27
- Real Betis vs. Atletico Madrid (4:00 p.m.)