Bet on El Clásico: Real Madrid vs Barcelona

The eyes of the football world turn to the Santiago Bernabéu on 26 October, where Real Madrid and Barcelona renew their fierce rivalry in the first El Clásico of the season. For fans looking to bet on La Liga, this fixture offers every reason to get involved — history, drama and high-stakes football at its best. When you're ready to make your call, check out our epic markets here.

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid arrive determined to overturn last season’s record after losing all four meetings with their Catalan rivals. Reports suggest Alonso has already identified a key weakness in Hansi Flick’s setup — Barcelona’s right flank, covered by young winger Lamine Yamal.

According to tactical analysis from Valdebebas, Alonso wants his side to “attack him there, we can do damage,” urging Vinícius Jr. and Álvaro Carreras to exploit Yamal’s lack of defensive tracking. The plan is simple: stretch Barça’s structure, create overloads, and punish any hesitation.

That approach could be decisive, especially with Real Madrid’s attacking pace and creativity. After dropping four straight to Barcelona, the motivation for revenge is sky-high, and Alonso’s men know a win would re-establish them as the dominant force in Spain.

If you’re looking to bet on Madrid, their tactical preparation and home-ground advantage make them an enticing pick at 2.05 to win outright.

Madrid’s preparation hasn’t been without setbacks. Dani Ceballos recently suffered a muscle strain, missing training and the clash against Getafe. However, reports indicate his injury is minor, and he’s expected to be fit for the Juventus fixture on 22 October — just in time to re-join the squad for El Clásico.

While Ceballos may not start, his availability provides crucial midfield depth in a congested fixture list. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has returned to full training after an ankle strain.

Madrid’s midfield configuration remains fluid, with Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga all in the mix, alongside potential positional shifts for Fede Valverde. That adaptability could prove vital against Barcelona’s technically gifted midfield.

On the other side, Hansi Flick faces a mounting injury list. Key players Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, and Marc-André ter Stegen are sidelined, while doubts persist over Raphinha and Ferran Torres, both nursing hamstring issues.

Despite the setbacks, Barcelona still boast talent across the pitch. Pedri and Yamal remain the creative heartbeat of Flick’s system, and Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the attack. In defence, Ronald Araújo could return to the starting eleven after scoring the late winner in a 2-1 victory over Girona, while Jules Koundé and Pau Cubarsí anchor the backline.

Flick’s challenge will be balancing rotation and rhythm. With a Champions League fixture against Olympiacos just days before El Clásico, managing fitness could define Barcelona’s chances.

Sportingbet’s latest odds for Real Madrid vs Barcelona show just how finely balanced this clash is:

• Real Madrid – 2.05
  

• Draw – 4.00
  

• Barcelona – 3.10
  

• Both teams to score: Yes 1.36 | No 2.87
  
  

Madrid enter as slight favourites, but form often goes out the window when these two giants collide. A fit-again Ceballos and an inspired Mbappé could tilt momentum towards the hosts, while Barcelona’s attacking unpredictability — especially through Yamal and Pedri — makes them a dangerous underdog for anyone looking to bet on Barcelona.

Beyond the points, this match sets the tone for the entire La Liga campaign. Real Madrid seek redemption after last season’s sweep, while Barcelona aim to prove they can still outthink their oldest rivals despite a depleted squad. Tactical innovation, defensive adjustments, and explosive counter-attacks are all on the menu.

For punters wanting to bet on Real Madrid vs Barcelona, the storyline is irresistible — revenge, redemption, and rivalry rolled into one.

Get closer to the action with exclusive El Clásico markets at Sportingbet. Whether you want to bet on Madrid to reclaim supremacy or bet on Barcelona to spoil the Bernabéu party, every market is live — from match winner and goal totals to player specials.

Bet on La Liga today and feel the pulse of El Clásico — only with Sportingbet.