As the sun rises over the Estádio Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, anticipation builds for one of the most highly awaited clashes in football history—the final El Clásico of the 2024/25 season. On Sunday, May 11, 2025, Barcelona will host Real Madrid in a match that could significantly impact the La Liga title race, with kickoff set for 11:15 AM (Brasilia time). Currently, Barcelona leads the league with 79 points, four ahead of their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, who sit at 75 points.
In this year's edition of El Clásico, the stakes couldn't be higher. With only four rounds left in the season, a victory for Barcelona would not only solidify their grip on the title but also provide a psychological edge going into the final stretch of matches. Conversely, a win for Real Madrid would inject new life into their title hopes, narrowing the gap to just one point and keeping the race thrillingly alive.
Barcelona comes into this match with a strong momentum, having recently triumphed over Real Madrid in the Copa do Rei final on April 26, 2025, with a scoreline of 3-2. Key players like Pedri, who scored a stunning goal in that match, and Raphinha, boasting an impressive tally of 32 goals and 23 assists this season, will be crucial for the Catalans. The team, managed by Hansi Flick, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing Champions League semifinal exit against Inter Milan and focus on domestic glory.
Real Madrid, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, is facing a critical moment in their season as well. The team has struggled to find consistency, having been eliminated from the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Arsenal. However, they are determined to salvage their season with a strong performance in this pivotal match. Star players like Kylian Mbappé, who leads the team with 36 goals this season, and Vinícius Júnior, who has contributed 21 goals and 12 assists, are expected to play crucial roles in this high-stakes encounter.
In terms of team news, Barcelona is expected to field a strong lineup, with Marc-André ter Stegen in goal, supported by a solid defense featuring Eric García and Iñigo Martínez. The midfield will see the likes of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong orchestrating play, while Lewandowski leads the attack. On the other hand, Real Madrid will rely on Thibaut Courtois to protect their goal, with a defense that may see Federico Valverde filling in at right-back. The midfield will be anchored by veterans Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos, while the attacking trio will likely feature Güler, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, with Mbappé spearheading the offense.
The last El Clásico saw Barcelona dominate with a decisive 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier in the season. That match showcased Barcelona's attacking prowess, with goals from Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. With a goal difference of +58 compared to Real Madrid's +36, Barcelona holds a significant advantage in potential tiebreakers should the teams end the season level on points.
As the match approaches, analysts are weighing in on potential outcomes. A win for Barcelona would push them to 82 points, creating a comfortable seven-point cushion over Real Madrid, who could only reach a maximum of 84 points. If the match ends in a draw, Barcelona would maintain their four-point lead, while a victory for Real Madrid would tighten the title race dramatically, leaving Barcelona needing to win their remaining matches to secure the championship without depending on other results.
Looking ahead, Barcelona's remaining fixtures include a match against city rivals Espanyol on May 15, followed by a clash with Villarreal and a final game against Athletic Bilbao. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will face Mallorca, Sevilla, and Real Sociedad in their concluding matches. The upcoming weeks promise to be filled with tension and excitement as both teams vie for the coveted La Liga title.
With the atmosphere electric and the stakes at an all-time high, fans from both sides are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling encounter. As the players take to the pitch, the age-old rivalry will once again capture the hearts of football lovers around the world.
