El Clásico 2025: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Line-Ups, Substitutes & Tactical Preview

Line-Ups Preview: Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona

Mbappé & Yamal lead, Vini and Pedri start

The stage is set for yet another epic chapter in the historic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Here's a fresh look at how both sides line up — featuring marquee names like Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Vinícius Júnior and Pedri — and what to watch as the two giants clash.

📋 Starting XI & Tactical Set-Up

Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
• Defence: Jules Koundé (RB) · Pau Cubarsí · Iñigo Martínez · Gerard Martín (LB)
• Midfielders (Double Pivot): Frenkie de Jong & Pedri
• Advanced Mid/Attacking Trio: Yamal (RW) · Dani Olmo (AM) · Raphinha (LW)
• Striker: Ferran Torres

Substitutes:

• Marc-André ter Stegen
• João Cancelo
• Ronald Araújo
• Gavi
• Oriol Romeu
• João Félix
• Ansu Fati
• Héctor Fort
• Marc Guiu

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defence: Fede Valverde (RB) · Éder Militão · Dean Huijsen · Álvaro Carreras (LB)
• Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni & Jude Bellingham
• Attacking Trio: Arda Güler (AM) · Vinícius Júnior (LW) · Mbappé (ST)

Substitutes:

• Andriy Lunin
• Antonio Rüdiger
• Nacho Fernández
• Eduardo Camavinga
• Luka Modrić
• Toni Kroos
• Rodrygo Goes
• Joselu
• Brahim Díaz

🌟 Key Names to Know

• Mbappé is back — expected to lead the Real Madrid line-up and bring his goal threat.
• Yamal — the teenage sensation for Barcelona — starts on the right flank and promises moments of magic.
• Vinícius Júnior will be pivotal for Real’s attacking thrust, using his pace and skill on the wing.
• Pedri remains the creative heartbeat for Barcelona’s midfield, anchoring their transition game.

🔍 What to Watch

1. Counter vs. Press: Real will hope Mbappé & Vinícius can exploit space on the break. Barcelona will aim to control tempo via Pedri & de Jong and allow Yamal to exploit gaps.
2. Midfield Battle: The duel between Real’s Tchouaméni & Bellingham vs. Barcelona’s Pedri & de Jong could decide control of the match.
3. Defensive Discipline: Barcelona’s defence will face the high-line gamble of Real’s pace up front. Real’s back-line must be alert to Yamal’s and Raphinha’s runs.
4. Youth vs Experience: Yamal’s youthful flair meets Real’s experienced squad — a fascinating contrast in styles.

✅ Why This Match Matters

• This is another chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries.
• Huge implications: momentum, bragging rights, and league positioning all hinge on the outcome.
• The line-ups reflect both clubs’ ambitions: Barcelona’s next-gen stars vs Real Madrid’s established elite.
• Individual battles (Mbappé vs Yamal, Vinícius vs Koundé, Pedri’s influence) add layers of intrigue.

📝 Final Thoughts

With both teams fielding strong attacking options and line-ups loaded with talent, this promises to be a spectacle. Whether you’re watching for tactical brilliance, individual magic, or the sheer excitement of El Clásico — this match delivers.

Look out especially for:

• Mbappé’s movement and finishing
• Yamal’s dribbles and creativity
• Vinícius’ ability to unsettle defenders
• Pedri’s passing and tempo-setting ability

Stay tuned — this one has the makings of a classic.