Mbappe to End Barca’s Clasico Reign in La Liga Season 2025

Real Madrid vs Barcelona — the first El Clasico of the La Liga season 2025 — promises fireworks as Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid look to end their arch-rivals’ four-match Clasico winning streak. The match kicks off on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid holding a narrow two-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table.

Last season, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona swept all four Clasico meetings, including emphatic victories in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, forcing the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure. His successor Xabi Alonso now leads Los Blancos in his first Clasico as head coach, determined to reverse that trend.

Mbappe in Peak Form

Kylian Mbappe has hit sensational form this season, scoring 10 La Liga goals in nine matches — half of Madrid’s total goals — and 15 across all competitions. He recently saw his 11-match scoring streak end in the Champions League victory over Juventus, where Jude Bellingham netted the winner.

Mbappe’s influence is undeniable, with new signing Arda Guler proving a creative force alongside him. “Arda gets between the lines and finds Mbappe well,” explained Alonso, praising their on-field chemistry.

A victory for Madrid would stretch their lead to five points, easing pressure after mixed results in big matches this season, including a 5-2 derby loss to Atletico Madrid and a Club World Cup semi-final defeat to PSG

Past Struggles and Redemption

Mbappe’s previous Clasico experiences have been far from ideal. In his debut last season, he was caught offside eight times as Barcelona triumphed 4-0 at the Bernabeu. “It’s time to show who I am as a player,” Mbappe had vowed afterward — and he did, netting three goals in subsequent Clasico matches despite Madrid’s narrow defeats.

Now, with Barcelona’s defense looking fragile at the start of this campaign, Mbappe and Madrid’s frontline — includingVinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham — are confident of exploiting gaps. Data analytics from Opta give Madrid a 45.6% chance of victory, higher than Barca’s 30.2%.

Injury Watch and Line-Up

For Madrid, Antonio Rüdiger is out injured, while David Alaba and Dani Ceballos are doubtful but may feature. Ferland Mendy is fit to start, with Alonso expected to line up:
Courtois; Mendy, Militao, Huijsen, Valverde; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Bellingham, Güler; Vinicius Jr., Mbappe.

What’s at Stake

Beyond bragging rights, this Clasico could shape the early title race. A win for Real Madrid strengthens Alonso’s project, while a Barcelona victory would reignite their championship defense under Flick.

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