Barcelona vs Real Madrid Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Spanish Super Cup | Final
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The second Clasico of the season in Spanish football takes place in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening in the Spanish Supercopa final as Barcelona take on Real Madrid.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+
Barcelona preview: Superb start to 2026
Barcelona have had a very strong start to 2026, firstly in terms of results but then their performance in the semi-final of this competition in midweek put a marker down as they hammered Athletic Club by five goals to nil the other day.
Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana began the calendar year with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Espanyol in the Barcelona derby last weekend, courtesy of late goals scored by Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski in a game in which they were quite fortunate.
Real Madrid preview: Respite required
About a month ago, there was immense pressure on Xabi Alonso with Real Madrid supposedly set to sack their manager but they have since now managed five successive victories across all competitions, albeit with only one convincing performance.
They edged past Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Supercopa in midweek as Fede Valverde scored a thunderous free-kick after two minutes before Rodrygo made it 2-0 in the 55th minute, a couple of minutes before Alexander Sorloth pulled a goal back.
Barcelona team news: Pretty much fully fit
There are no fresh injury concerns for Barca to deal with for this one as both Andreas Christensen and Gavi remain longer term absentees for the home team.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Ronald Araujo (Disciplinary), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable:
Real Madrid team news: Mbappe still a doubt
Kylian Mbappe has travelled to Saudi Arabia but he remains a doubt with Dani Carvajal having returned to full fitness, albeit Brahim Diaz is still at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Fede Valverde, Raul Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Bellingham, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
Unavailable: Eder Militao (Injured), Alexander-Arnold (Injured), Brahim Diaz (International duty)
Questionable: Mbappe (Injured)
Barcelona vs Real Madrid prediction
It seems like years ago now but Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points in late-October with a win in the first Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu. However, since then, the visitors have massively declined and the hosts have begun to rediscover some of last season’s magic form. Barca are some way off their best but they should still be able to produce a performance that further heaps immense pressure on Alonso.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid tip: Barcelona to win -1 handicap
