World football will once again come to a standstill this Sunday, May 11, 2025, as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in a crucial edition of El Clásico, part of Matchday 35 of LaLiga EA Sports. The match isn’t just about pride and rivalry — it could very well determine the fate of the league title.

With Barcelona sitting at the top of the standings and Real Madrid close behind, the three points at stake could be decisive in one of the most tightly contested seasons in recent memory.

Date, Venue and Kickoff Times (USA)

• Date : Sunday, May 11
• Venue : Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc, Barcelona)
• Local Time (Spain) : 16:15 CEST
• United States :
  • 10:15 AM ET
  • 9:15 AM CT
  • 7:15 AM PT

What’s at Stake in El Clásico?

A victory for Barcelona would give them a 7-point lead over Real Madrid, practically sealing the title. On the other hand, a Madrid win would cut the gap to just one point, reigniting the race heading into the final stretch.

However, Barcelona arrive at this match wounded after being knocked out of the Champions League semifinals by Inter Milan (4-3 on aggregate), while Real Madrid are focused solely on LaLiga, their last shot at major silverware this season.

Key Absences

• Barcelona : Will be without Jules Koundé, while players like Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde are doubts due to lingering fitness issues.
• Real Madrid : Will miss Antonio Rüdiger (suspension), Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga through injury.

These defensive absences could prove crucial in such a high-pressure game.

Predicted Starting XIs

FC Barcelona (Coach: Hansi Flick):
Ter Stegen; Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski

Real Madrid (Coach: Carlo Ancelotti):
Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, Fran García; Fede Valverde, Luka Modrić; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Kylian Mbappé