Real Madrid have published their squad list for Sunday’s first El Clásico of the 2025/26 season. Xabi Alonso’s men welcome Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabéu with momentum and star power across the pitch. Below you’ll find the full call-up, tactical talking points, how to watch from multiple regions, and answers to common fan questions.
Official Squad List
- Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Sergio Mestre.
- Defenders: Carvajal, Militão, Trent, Asensio, Á. Carreras, Fran García, F. Mendy, Huijsen.
- Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, D. Ceballos.
- Forwards: Vini Jr., Endrick, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim, Mastantuono.
Notes: Dean Huijsen has recovered in time and is available. Dani Ceballos also returns. Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are in the list but are not expected to start immediately.
Match Details — How to Watch & Stream
- Date: Sunday,
- Kick-off: 16:15 CET (Madrid) · 16:15 WAT (Lagos) · 15:15 GMT · 11:15 ET
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Spain: DAZN LaLiga (check DAZN/Movistar+ listings).
- USA: ESPN Deportes (TV); streaming via ESPN app/ESPN+ (check your package).
- Nigeria & SSA: SuperSport / Canal+ Sport (check local listings).
- Global: Availability varies by territory — consult your local rights holder.
Tip: If you’re watching from West Africa, kick-off is 16:15 WAT. In the UK, it’s 15:15 GMT. In the U.S. Eastern time zone, it’s 11:15 ET.
Why this El Clásico matters
Beyond the historic rivalry, the match is a major early barometer for LaLiga’s title race. Real Madrid’s front line can stretch any back four, while Barcelona’s transitions and set-piece routines often decide tight games. With both squads stocked with elite talent, marginal details — pressing triggers, full-back positioning, and out-of-possession distances — will be decisive.
Three storylines to watch
- The left-side overload: Vini Jr.’s ball-carrying + underlaps from the 8 (Bellingham/Camavinga patterns) can fix defenders and open switches to the weak side.
- Midfield control vs. direct threat: Tchouameni’s screening allows Valverde to run beyond the lines. If Madrid controls second balls, fast breaks for Mbappé/Rodrygo become lethal.
- Full-back management: With Carvajal and Trent in the squad, Madrid have flexibility for progression and crossing, even if both aren’t expected to start.
Key battles
- Left wing (Vini Jr.) vs. right-back: 1v1s, cut-backs, and fouls won in the half-space.
- Central channel: Bellingham vs. Barça’s 6/8: late arrivals and aerial duels from second-phase crosses.
- Transition defence: Militão’s recovery runs and coordination with Mendy/Fran García against counterattacks.
- Set-pieces: Tchouameni/Militão as targets; watch near-post screens and outswingers.
Projected Real Madrid XI (subject to late changes)
Shape: 4-3-3 that can morph to 4-4-2 out of possession.
- GK: Courtois
- DEF: Carvajal* (or alternative), Militão, F. Mendy, Fran García
- MID: Tchouameni; Valverde, Bellingham/Camavinga
- FWD: Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vini Jr.
*Carvajal is included in the squad but not guaranteed to start. Decisions may depend on match fitness and tactical balance.
Impact options from the bench
- Arda Güler / Brahim: final-third creativity between lines.
- Endrick: depth runs and pressure on centre-backs late in the game.
- Dani Ceballos: control in phases where Madrid needs to slow the tempo.
- Huijsen: height and aggression for set-piece defence if protecting a lead.
Tactical snapshots
- Pressing cue: Trigger on wide centre-back or a backward pass to the keeper; Valverde jumps to force play outside, Bellingham screens the 6.
- Build-up pattern: Tchouameni drops to form a back three; full-back on the far side holds width for the switch.
- Chance creation: Attacks often end with cut-backs to the penalty spot or far-post crosses targeting late runs.
Matchday timeline (RMxtra local guide)
- −60’: Team arrivals; look for any last-minute squad updates.
- −45’: Warm-ups begin — note any players on modified routines.
- −15’: Final tactical huddles; watch for touchline instructions on early pressing.
- KO: 16:15 CET / 16:15 WAT / 15:15 GMT / 11:15 ET
- HT: Quick shape tweaks likely if pinned in wide areas.
- 70’+: Fresh legs in the front line; expect one of Brahim/Endrick to appear.
RMxtra editorial note: All squad and broadcast details here reflect the information available at the time of writing. Please re-check official channels near kick-off for any late changes.
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