The only thing standing in the way of Real Madrid extending its 43-match unbeaten run in La Liga is Barcelona.

The first El Clasico of the 2024-2025 season has much more to offer than just bragging rights. Real Madrid are three points behind Barcelona and could rise to the top of the La Liga standings with a win over their biggest rivals. However, even with Kylian Mbappé in the squad, it is never easy to beat the Catalans, especially with Los Blancos’ recent injuries.

Both Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois suffered thigh injuries against Borussia Dortmund on October 22, leaving Carlo Ancelotti without two of his starters. Dani Carvajal and David Alaba also remain sidelined. Now Ancelotti must decide which formation and line-up he will play against the team, with just one La Liga defeat in ten games.

This is what Real Madrid’s team could look like against Hansi Flick’s men on Saturday, October 26.

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GK: Andriy Lunin—The Ukraine international is back between the posts for Los Blancos as Courtois recovers from injury.

RB: Lucas Vazquez—The Spaniard must bounce back from his poor defensive performance against Dortmund if he wants to silence Raphinha.

CB: Éder Militão—The Brazil international must bring in La Liga’s top scorer Robert Lewandowski if Real Madrid are to collect three points.

CB: Antonio Rudiger—In addition to his defensive duties, Rudiger will be Real Madrid’s biggest target on set pieces. The central defender has already scored two goals this season.

LB: Ferland Mendy—The left back faces his toughest task of the season so far: against Lamine Yamal, who has five goals and seven assists in all competitions.

RM: Federico Valverde—A 15th consecutive start for Valverde is in the offing. The midfielder will need to be at his best to help Los Blancos control the tempo of the match.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—After just five minutes of play against Dortmund, expect Tchouaméni to rejoin the XI.

CM: Luka Modrić—The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner could take the honors in Ancelotti’s 4-4-2. Eduardo Camavinga is also an option for the manager.

LM: Jude Bellingham— Bellingham, the hero of both La Liga games against Barcelona last season, is yet to score for Real Madrid in the 2024-2025 season.

ST: Kylian Mbappe—The Frenchman could score his ninth goal for Real Madrid in his first El Clasico.

ST: Vinicius Junior—The Brazilian has just scored a hat-trick in the Champions League and will be looking to impress before the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 28.

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