### The Anticipation Builds: El Clásico 2025/26 Set to Ignite Rivalry The first El Clásico of the 2025/26 La Liga season is upon us, featuring a thrilling matchup between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. This highly anticipated clash will take place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on October 26, 2025. With both teams vying for supremacy in La Liga, the stakes are high as Real Madrid currently leads the table with 24 points, just two ahead of Barcelona, who has 22 points. The match not only marks a significant rivalry but also serves as the debut of Xabi Alonso as head coach for Real Madrid, adding another layer of intrigue to the event. Fans are eager to see superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal take the field, making this encounter a must-watch for football enthusiasts worldwide [https://www.aivanet.com/2025/10/how-to-watch-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-live-streams-channels-previews-and-team-news-for-the-first-el-clasico-of-2025-26]. ### Breakdown of Key Elements Surrounding El Clásico 1. **Match Details** - Date and Time: October 26, 2025, at 12:15 PM (Brasília time) [https://www.mixvale.com.br/2025/10/26/where-to-watch-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-in-la-liga-today-at-1215-pm]. - Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/how-to-watch-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-live-stream-el-clasico-la-liga-tv-channel-10938244]. 2. **Team News** - Real Madrid: Under new coach Xabi Alonso, the team has had a strong start to the season, winning eight out of nine matches, with their only loss being a surprising defeat to Atlético Madrid [https://londonherald.co.uk/real-madrid-vs-fc-barcelona-live-el-clasico-match-stream-latest-team-news-lineups-tv-prediction]. - Barcelona: The team faces significant injury challenges, with key players like Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Gavi unavailable for this match [https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/football/real-madrid-vs-barcelona-live-when-and-where-to-watch-el-classico-2025-on-tv-and-stream-online-in-india-2025-10-25-1014392]. 3. **Viewing Options** - Fans can catch the live stream on various platforms, with specific channels available in different regions, including India and the USA [https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/watch-on-us-tv/how-to-watch-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-in-the-usa-live-stream-and-tv-for-2025-2026-la-liga]. - Comprehensive coverage will be available across multiple sports networks, ensuring fans worldwide can follow the action [https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/sports/watch-real-madrid-vs-fc-barcelona-el-clasico-la-liga-2025-26]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Current Standings**: - Real Madrid: 24 points from 9 matches - Barcelona: 22 points from 9 matches - **Injury Report**: - Barcelona's key absentees include: - Raphinha - Robert Lewandowski - Gavi [https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/football/real-madrid-vs-barcelona-live-when-and-where-to-watch-el-classico-2025-on-tv-and-stream-online-in-india-2025-10-25-1014392]. ### Conclusion: A Clash of Titans Awaits In summary, the first El Clásico of the 2025/26 season promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for the La Liga title race. 1. **Key Matchup**: Real Madrid aims to maintain their lead against a Barcelona side struggling with injuries. 2. **Coaching Debut**: Xabi Alonso's first match as head coach adds excitement to the rivalry. 3. **Global Interest**: Fans worldwide are eager to witness this iconic clash, with various viewing options available. **The outcome of this match could redefine the trajectory of both teams for the remainder of the season, making it a pivotal moment in La Liga history** [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/el-clasico-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-lineups-odds-start-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch-mbappe-yamal-10938276].