Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season as Jude Bellingham gets his first taste of one of the biggest games in world football.
Barcelona won last season’s La Liga crown as they surged to their first league title since 2019 under Xavi. The champions are undefeated this season with seven wins and three draws but trail leaders Real Madrid by one point.
Madrid’s new signing Bellingham has made an astonishing start to life in the Spanish capital with 11 goals in his first 12 games for the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The 20-year-old England star will now take centre stage in El Clasico, which is not available on UK television, as Real Madrid look to get revenge on Barcelona for last year’s title win.
Follow the latest updates from El Clasico and get the latest odds and tips here.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE
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Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season
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Bellingham to make first Clasico appearance; Englishman has 11 goals in first 12 games
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POST! Martinez’s header hits the post shortly after the break (BAR 1-0 RMA)
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POST! Fermin comes close to doubling home side’s lead (BAR 1-0 RMA)
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GOAL! Gundogan opens scoring with first goal for Barca (BAR 1-0 RMA)
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:38 , Ben Fleming
63 mins: Madrid respond with two changes of their own. Modric and Joselu have been warming up for a while and finally come on, with Kroos and Rodrygo making way.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:36 , Ben Fleming
61 mins: Big cheers from the stands as Ferran Torres makes way for the returning Lewandowski who has missed the last three games through injury.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:34 , Ben Fleming
59 mins: Cancelo fires over after a mazy run, cutting in from the right. It wouldn’t have counted, though, as the offside flag goes up shortly after on the Portuguese international.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:32 , Ben Fleming
58 mins: Modric and Joseul are warming up on the sidelines and it looks like more changes are imminent as Madrid try and chase an equaliser. A better spell of possession now for the visitors who have been much-improved since the break.
Kroos tries his luck from range but Ter Stegen gets down well to his left to make the save.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:29 , Ben Fleming
53 mins: Real Madrid make an early change as Mendy comes off for Camavinga. Perhaps, an injury there as the Madrid left-back clutches his leg.
Better from Madrid now as Bellingham surges into the box. Pedri recovers well to make a tackle and prevent the Englishman from getting a shot off but that’s encouraging signs from Ancelotti’s men.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:27 , Ben Fleming
51 mins: POST! Barca almost double their lead at the start of the second half as Martinez’s header cannons back off the post following a corner. Kepa has to be aware and gets up well to make a sharp save and deny Araujo’s follow-up effort from close range. So close from the hosts.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:24 , Ben Fleming
50 mins: Rodrygo has some space on the right, but his whipped ball into the box is claimed with ease by Ter Stegen.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:22 , Ben Fleming
47 mins: Gavi starts the second half as he spent much of the first half – pressing relentlessly. He gives away a foul after a tackle on Vinicius but it’s still a good sign from Barca’s energetic young midfielder.
KICK-OFF! Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:20 , Ben Fleming
46 mins: A big second half needed for Real Madrid as they get the second half under way.
They trail to the hosts Barcelona after Gundogan’s early goal.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:11 , Ben Fleming
A big game player:
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:07 , Ben Fleming
The hosts lead:
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:06 , Ben Fleming
The free-kick comes to nothing and that is that for the first half. it’s been an impressive performance from the home side who deservedly lead through Gundogan’s early strike. They’ve controlled the territory and the possession in this game and could well have gone two goals ahead when Fermin struck the post.
Plenty for Carlo Ancelloti and Real Madrid to ponder at the break.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:04 , Ben Fleming
45+1 mins: Again Rudiger clears from the corner but Torres is now booked after he rugby tackles Vinicius on the edge of the half as Vinicius looks to break.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:03 , Ben Fleming
45+1 mins: Araujo delivers a tempting cross but again Rudiger clears with Torres looking to pounce beyond him. Another corner for Barca.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:02 , Ben Fleming
45 mins: A late corner in the first half for Barca after Mendy deflects Cancelo’s cross behind. Gundogan delivers but Rudiger rises well to clear the cross out.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
16:00 , Ben Fleming
43 mins: Felix has been bright and positive in possession this half but Carvajal has been equal to him for large parts of the half. He tries to create room for a shot but the Spanish right-back gets a block in.
Up the other end, Kroos tries his luck from the edge of the box but it’s blocked by the Barca defence.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:59 , Ben Fleming
41 mins: It’s been a quiet first half for Bellingham who has found himself having to drop deeper to get onto the ball. No shots on goal yet for the English midfielder.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:55 , Ben Fleming
38 mins: A rare foray into the box for Real Madrid as Carvajal receives the ball on the right side of the area. He’s limited for options in the middle and so tries his luck, but the ball smashes into the side-netting from a tight angle.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:54 , Ben Fleming
37 mins: Fermin is having a great first half for the home side. The midfielder dribbles forward with the ball before letting fly from the edge of the box. His shot rises comfortably over the bar but it’s another positive passage of play from the hosts.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:50 , Ben Fleming
32 mins: Vinicius has struggled so far this game and is dispossessed once again by Araujo. The attack comes to nothing, initially, but Barca have a slight opening moments later when Felix finds Balde inside the area. The left-back drives past Alaba and into the box. Kroos, though, gets back well to clear the ball away.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:46 , Ben Fleming
29 mins: Appeals for a penalty as Barcelona drive into the box through Felix. Carvajal makes the challenge and the referee sees nothing wrong with it.
There’s a heated exchange between Vinicius and Xavi on the sideline now – this game is beginning to heat up!
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:44 , Ben Fleming
27 mins: It’s been an impressive start from the home side in this Clasico so far. Real Madrid have been largely limited to pot shots and long-distance efforts, while Barcelona have controlled the lion’s share of possession.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:39 , Ben Fleming
22 mins: Rudiger is some way out but opts to try his luck with a shot. It’s well-struck but flies comfortably over the bar.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:38 , Ben Fleming
21 mins: Barcelona surge forward on the counterattack but the Real defence do well to recover as Joao Felix’s through ball – looking for Cancelo down the right – is cut out.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:35 , Ben Fleming
17 mins: A late challenge on Kroos from Fermin – just moments after striking the woodwork – as the Barca midfielder becomes the first player to be shown a yellow card in this game.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:34 , Ben Fleming
16 mins: POST! So close to a second for Barca as Fermin rattles the post. It’s sloppy in possession from Kroos as Gavi nips in and steals the ball.
The loose ball finds Fermin inside the box, but his low effort rattles the left post with Kepa well-beaten. A big let-off for the away side.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:30 , Ben Fleming
13 mins: Vinicius gets space for a shot on the edge of the box, but the Barcelona players swarm the Brazilian and block the shot.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:29 , Ben Fleming
12 mins: Real Madrid are now enjoying a good spell of possession as they look to strike back after that early goal. Nothing doing so far as Xavi’s side remain disciplined in defence.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
15:26 , Ben Fleming
8 mins: Just after the goal, Vinicius is given plenty of space down the left and surges towards the box. He tries an outside-of-the-boot cross but Ter Stegen is off his line well to claim the ball.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid (Gundogan, 6 mins)
15:23 , Ben Fleming
Barcelona take the early lead and it’s Gundogan’s first goal in a Barcelona shirt!
Gundogan fires a ball into Torres and continues his run forward as deflection off the boot of Tchouameni gifts the ball back to the German midfielder inside the box.
He evades the challenge of Alaba before slotting past Kepa to give the home side the lead.
Barcelona 0-0 Real Madrid
15:21 , Ben Fleming
3 mins: An early involvement from Bellingham as he dispossesses Christensen before surging into the box. In the end, the English midfielder loses the ball and concedes a foul but a promising start for the Real star.
15:18 , Ben Fleming
Barcelona get us under way in front of their home fans.
Barcelona v Real Madrid
15:13 , Ben Fleming
The players emerge from the tunnel and kick-off now is just moments away!
Will Jude Bellingham be the difference?
15:08 , Mike Jones
Bellingham has made an astonishing start to life in the Spanish capital with 11 goals in his first 12 games for the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The 20-year-old England star will now take centre stage in El Clasico as Real Madrid look to get revenge on Barcelona for last year’s title win.
How will he fare today?
Xavi on right-back selection
15:02 , Mike Jones
Barcelona boss Xavi spoke about his decision to pick Joao Cancelo at right-back today, telling DAZN: “It depends on whether we are attacking or defending.
“We have versatile players – Ronald, Cancelo, Fermin, Ferran who can move positions. But the shape of the team doesn’t change.
“Today is not a day to be testing a lot. It’s a big day, let’s see if we can damage Madrid with our strengths.”
Barcelona’s weak defence?
14:56 , Mike Jones
Barcelona’s title triumph last season was built on having a strong and stable defence.
However, this year, they have conceded 10 goals in 10 league games which is a stark contrast. It wasn’t until matchday 31 that they conceded their 10th goal of the campaign last season.
German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was a massive factor in that title win but has not been as crucial this time around which leaves them vulnerable to Real Madrid’s attacking threats.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
14:50 , Mike Jones
There has only been one draw in the last 10 LaLiga meetings between Barcelona and Real Madrid. In overall head-to-heads, Barcelona have had the better of the meetings winning 124 compared to Real’s 108.
Both teams are in fine fettle this season but there can only be one winner in El Clasico. Who will triumph today?
Head-to-head results:
Barcelona wins: 124
Real Madrid wins: 108
Draws: 64
Xavi on the importance of El Clasico
14:44 , Jack Rathborn
“It is the game that everyone wants to play,” Xavi says, having played 42 times against Madrid.
“If we do well it would mean a boost in morale and confidence and we would overtake a direct rival. It is a very important match.
“Everyone wants to play. It is 50/50. There is almost never a favourite. In my experience, the Clásico is unpredictable
Xavi on Pedri injuries and Gavi development at Barcelona
14:37 , Jack Rathborn
Xavi on Pedri sustaining injuries from playing too much: “We will never know. It’s the first thing you think about, so many loads, games, but we don’t know. With Pedri we are on schedule. There is no problem with Pedri or with anyone.”
Xavi on Gavi’s development: “He has matured a lot. If I remember correctly, the first year he was sent off once and this year once. He is fundamental for the team and he is very passionate. He gives us soul.”
Xavi on Joao Felix breaking duck against Real Madrid
14:30 , Jack Rathborn
“I didn’t know that he hadn’t scored against Madrid,” says Xavi.
“It’s a good time for him to score his first goal tomorrow against them. Joao adapts very well to the position we want.
“It’s his ideal position. He’s not a number 9 or an attacking midfielder. I see him more as a second forward with freedom to create play.”
Why isn’t Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV in the UK?
14:18 , Mike Jones
El Clasico is not available to watch live in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule – a law which dates back to the 1960s preventing football from being shown on UK TV between 2:45pm and 5:15pm, in an effort to protect the attendances of lower league clubs.
This includes international football, which is why ViaPlay – who hold the rights for LaLiga in the UK – cannot broadcast the match on TV or online until they show a re-run at 5:15pm.
The re-run will be shown on ViaPlay Sports 2 and will also be available to watch on the ViaPlay website for ViaPlay subscribers.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
Barcelona v Real Madrid lineups
14:11 , Mike Jones
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araújo, Christensen, Balde; Gündogan, I. Martinez, Gavi; Lopez, Torres, Félix.
Real Madrid XI: Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Kroos; Valverde, Bellingham, Vinícius; Rodrygo.
Carlo Ancelotti on La Masia and its influence on Barcelona
14:10 , Jack Rathborn
“Fermin, Lamine Yamal… they are very good, but we also have youngsters who are spectacular.
“Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouameni, they’re very young. Sometimes we forget that we too have many young players and many players from the Real Madrid youth system.”
Carlo Ancelotti: El Clasico is a special match
14:04 , Jack Rathborn
Carlo Ancelotti: “We’re motivated, it’s an important, special match. It will be the first Clásico of this season, but there will be more: The Supercopa, the return fixture, Copa, Champions League… this will only be the first one. And we’re in good shape.
“It is very important, but the season is very long and to say that this decides a league title… it’s too much. The season is very long, very long. It will be a very competitive league with many more games.”
Real Madrid squad for El Clasico
13:56 , Jack Rathborn
Goalkeepers: Lunin, Kepa and Diego Piñeiro.
Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Nacho, Lucas V., Fran García, Rüdiger and Mendy.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Kroos, ModriÄ, Camavinga, Valverde and Tchouameni.
Attackers: Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim.
Jude Bellingham has no nerves ahead of El Clasico debut
13:50 , Jack Rathborn
“I’m really excited,” Bellingham said. And does he feel the nerves? “No, not really. I’ve played a lot of high-pressure games. Maybe not one of this magnitude. I can’t wait to see what the atmosphere will be like… If you can’t get motivated for a game like this, where else would you rather be as a football player?
“I’m ready. I had a little tweak in the last game in the Champions League but I’m feeling good and hopefully I’ll be out there and hopefully we get a good result… I just had a bit of fatigue, I’ve played a lot of games so far this season already.”
Barcelona v Real Madrid predicted lineups
13:42 , Jack Rathborn
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araújo, Christensen, Balde; Gündogan, Romeu, Gavi; López, Torres, Félix.
Real Madrid XI: Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Kroos; Valverde, Bellingham, Vinícius; Rodrygo.
Barcelona v Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham on El Clasico
13:35 , Jack Rathborn
“I always tuned in no matter how late it was even when my mum was telling me to go to bed,” he said. “I’d always stay up until I got to the last minute of the Clásico.”
“Stuff like that [Ronaldo’s calma celebration] sticks with you. The good, the bad, sometimes the ugly sides of it. I can’t wait to see what the atmosphere is like.”
Carlo Ancelotti on giving youngsters a chance at Real Madrid
13:25 , Jack Rathborn
“It’s difficult to answer. They have had a lot of injuries and that has given opportunities to players coming through,” said the Italian.
“Because if a lot of players get injured during the season, you have to turn to the youth squad. Álvaro Rodríguez, Mario Martín, Nico Paz and Gonzalo are very close to playing with the first team.”
Xavi names Barcelona squad for El Clasico
13:20 , Jack Rathborn
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 15. Andreas Christensen, 17. Marcos Alonso, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 38. Héctor Fort
Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 18. Oriol Romeu, 22. Ilkay Gündogan, 30. Marc Casadó, 32. Fermín López
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 11. Raphinha, 14. João Félix, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu
Why isn’t Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV? How to watch El Clasico in the UK today
12:37 , Jack Rathborn
Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season as Jude Bellingham gets his first taste of one of the biggest games in world football.
Barcelona won last season’s La Liga crown as they surged to their first league title since 2019 under Xavi.
The champions are undefeated this season with seven wins and three draws but trail leaders Real Madrid by one point.
Bellingham has made an astonishing start to life in the Spanish capital with 11 goals in his first 12 games for the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Why isn’t Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV? How to watch El Clasico
El Clasico – Live
Friday 27 October 2023 15:46 , Ben Fleming
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of El Clasico from the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. Defending La Liga champions Barcelona have made an unbeaten start to the season but sit one point behind Real Madrid. Madrid’s fast start has been, in part, inspired by the superb form of new signing Jude Bellingham, with the Englishman netting 11 times in his first 12 games for his new Spanish club.
Due to the 3 pm blackout rule, the match will not be shown live in the UK so stay tuned on this page for the latest build-up, team news and match updates!
