Final El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou sees Real Madrid adjust to injury crisis while Barcelona seek title seal
Barcelona aim to secure a second consecutive title by avoiding defeat, while Real Madrid must win to prevent their rivals from taking the trophy amid significant squad changes.
The season's final El Clasico is scheduled for Sunday at Spotify Camp Nou, marking the first competitive match at the venue since its reopening in November. For Barcelona, the stakes are clear: a victory or a draw will secure a second consecutive La Liga title, effectively ending the campaign before the final whistle. Conversely, Real Madrid face the necessity of winning to avoid conceding the trophy to their bitter rivals.
Team news indicates significant adjustments for both sides ahead of the fixture. Barcelona are expected to make a single change to their starting XI, with Jules Kounde likely replacing Gerard Martin at right-back. This move would potentially see Eric Garcia shifted into central defence, though reports differ on whether Garcia or Kounde will start. Regardless of the defensive reshuffle, Raphinha and Marcus Rashford are expected to remain on the bench for the Catalan side.
Real Madrid are forced to make at least two changes due to injuries that have hampered their preparations. Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde are ruled out, with Fran Garcia expected to replace the former at left-back. In midfield, Kylian Mbappe is poised to return to the starting lineup for the first time in a couple of weeks, stepping in to replace Valverde.
Between the sticks, Thibaut Courtois is confirmed to return after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in mid-March. His return sees Andriy Lunin drop to the bench. There remains uncertainty regarding the midfield hierarchy, specifically concerning Aurélien Tchouaméni's status following a dispute with Valverde. While Marca suggests Tchouaméni will start over Eduardo Camavinga, other reports indicate he could be benched.
Barcelona start the match as firm favourites, having been dominant at home since returning to Spotify Camp Nou. However, Real Madrid cannot be counted out, even if their preparations have been far from ideal due to the injury crisis. The outcome of this high-stakes encounter will determine the ultimate fate of the La Liga title.
