El Clásico comes early in 2026, and it comes with a trophy attached. Barcelona and Real Madrid meet on Sunday night in the Spanish Super Cup final at the neutral Alinma Bank Stadium, a fitting stage for the year’s first clash between the giants. It’s a chance for Barcelona to lift their 16th Super Cup, and for Real Madrid to test their depth and nerve amid key injury questions.

The stage and the stakes: El Clásico for silverware

Finals between these two are rarely quiet, and the tone feels set for another high-scoring night. Barcelona arrive with momentum after flying past Athletic Club in the semi-final, four goals ahead by half-time in a show of speed and control. Hansi Flick’s side also have the benefit of slightly longer recovery time before Sunday, a small edge that could matter in a tight game.

Real Madrid reach the final balancing ambition with fitness management. The focus is on Kylian Mbappé, who had not played a minute in 2026 until this week. He didn’t travel at first due to a knee problem, then joined up with the squad on Friday after positive recovery signs. That late arrival suggests he might start even if not quite at full tilt.

"If Mbappé starts half-fit, do Madrid risk losing their press?"

Barcelona team news, form and predicted lineup

Flick’s Barcelona look settled in a 4-2-3-1 and enter with confidence after a ruthless semi. Raphinha hit a brace, while Ferran Torres, Fermín López and Roony Bardghji also scored. That performance, and the four combined goal contributions from Ferran and Fermín, puts them in line to keep their starting spots — even if it means big names like Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo begin on the bench.

A key boost comes on the right wing. Lamine Yamal, who was managed carefully and played only 18 minutes in the semi, has been cleared to start. His 1v1 threat and ball control can pin back full-backs and open lanes for the No. 10.

• Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.

At centre-back, Ronald Araújo has returned to full training and may rejoin the squad, but the expectation remains Eric García next to Pau Cubarsí from the start. Up front, Ferran’s pressing and channel runs fit the plan to stretch Madrid’s back line. It also allows Raphinha to attack the far post and Yamal to slip inside onto his stronger foot.

"Ferran over Lewandowski again? Flick is backing form over fame."

Real Madrid fitness watch, formation choices and predicted lineup

For Carlo Ancelotti’s side, availability shapes everything. Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Éder Militão (hamstring) and Brahim Díaz (AFCON) are out. Three more — Rodrygo (knock), Antonio Rüüiger (knee) and Raúl Asencio (thigh) — need late checks after being forced off against Atlético. Dean Huijsen has recovered and could be used, especially if Rüüiger isn’t passed fit. Asencio is thought to have a strong chance of making it.

There are two ways Madrid could set up. One has the look of a 4-2-3-1, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga as a double pivot and Jude Bellingham ahead of them. The other is a 4-3-3, with Bellingham tucked into a midfield trio and the classic front three stretching the pitch.

• Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1 option): Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé (or Gonzalo García if Mbappé is not ready).
• Real Madrid possible XI (4-3-3 option): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius.

Valverde at right-back offers energy and recovery speed against Raphinha. Carreras at left-back faces a stern test from Yamal. The central pairing likely includes Huijsen, whose size helps on set pieces. All eyes, however, will be on Mbappé. His presence changes how high Barcelona can defend and how much space Bellingham can attack between the lines. If he cannot start, Gonzalo García would be in line for a third straight start.

"Yamal vs Vinícius on opposite wings — this could be fireworks."

Tactics board: where the final could be won

Midfield control: Pedri and De Jong versus Camavinga and Tchouaméni could decide the rhythm. If Barcelona’s double pivot can receive cleanly and turn, they will feed Yamal and Raphinha early and often. If Madrid’s pair win the duels, Bellingham will arrive in dangerous spots.

Wide battles: Yamal against Carreras and Raphinha against Valverde are game-shaping matchups. Barcelona want quick switches to isolate their wingers 1v1. Madrid will try to double in wide areas and spring Vinícius into space when the turnover comes.

Penalty-box decisions: Starting Ferran Torres instead of a classic No. 9 like Lewandowski signals a plan built on movement and pressing, not just crosses. For Madrid, Mbappé’s timing on the shoulder run will stress Barcelona’s centre-backs, especially on early balls from deep.

Set pieces: With Huijsen likely involved and Bellingham’s knack for second balls, Madrid are dangerous on dead balls. Barcelona’s delivery from Raphinha and Yamal is also a threat the other way.

Momentum, recovery and scoreline outlook

Barcelona’s semi-final was so strong that they did not need to push after the break, saving legs for the final. That extra freshness, plus Yamal’s return to the XI, gives Flick a clear plan: control midfield, strike early out wide, and let Ferran and Fermín exploit space. There is depth on the bench too, with big names waiting if the game turns.

Madrid’s path depends on who passes those late fitness tests. If Rodrygo and Mbappé both start, the front line has elite pace on both sides of Bellingham. If not, Ancelotti may lean on shape and patience, trusting Courtois and transition moments to carry them through.

Neutrals can expect goals. One detailed preview tips Barcelona to edge it 3-2, reflecting the form book and the recovery window. Cases can be made for either side, but the blend of Barcelona’s wing threat and Madrid’s uncertain availability suggests a tight, attacking final decided in the last 20 minutes.

Whatever the script, El Clásico rarely disappoints. The first chapter of 2026 arrives with silverware on the line and stars ready to seize the spotlight.