How to watch Real Madrid-Barcelona live stream link, TV channel, team news, prediction

The Clásico is always huge, but this clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu looms larger than any other game they’ve had in recent years.

Real Madrid, the defending Spanish and European champions, have shown some cracks early in the season, but always seem to find a way to do so. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have had some major defensive injuries to deal with, but their superstar forwards continue to deliver. Vinicius Junior scored a hat-trick to lead them to a 5-2 Champions League comeback win against Borussia Dortmund in midweek after Real had gone down 2-0 to the team they beat in the final last season. Kylian Mbappe has just warmed up for Real and Jude Bellingham hasn’t really started this season yet, but you know they’ll be ready to roll in Madrid this weekend.

Barcelona has been prepared to play the whole season under new coach Hansi Flick. Nine wins from 10 in La Liga put them top of the table, three points clear of Real, and they beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek to boost confidence levels even further. Veteran Robert Lewandowski continues to do his job and Raphinha, who scored a hat-trick against Bayern, has been excellent so far this season. Barcelona have so many players who have been given a new life with Flick, then there is Lamine Yamal at the head of the group of talented youngsters who will lead Barcelona in the coming years. Barça seems to be back and a declared victory at Real Madrid would confirm it.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona live, streaming link, TV channel and start time

Start time: 3pm ET Saturday (October 26)
place: Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid
How to look: Watch on ESPN Deportes, Stream on ESPN+

Real Madrid news, focus

David Alaba is out until January with his ACL injury, while Dani Carvajal is out for the season after also suffering a serious knee injury. Thibaut Courtois should be fine and so should Rodrygo. Brahim Diaz is out with a hamstring injury. The departure of Vinicius Jr, Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mbappe in the same team could cause a balance problem, but Real Madrid have so many experienced players that they make it work. Veteran Luka Modric is unlikely to start after starting against Borussia Dortmund in midweek, with Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Fede Valverede in midfield.

Barça news, focus

Barca have so many talented youngsters starting or coming off the bench with Lamine Yamal the pick of the bunch as he, Fermin López and Raphinha are feeding Lewandowski. Pedri runs the show in midfield and it really looks like Barcelona have returned to their core identity. Goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen is out for the season, while defenders Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo remain sidelined and Eric Garcia is also working his way back to fitness. Ferran Torres is also missing, and when Barça recover all these players (Ter Stegen’s assistant) in the coming months, their push for the League and the Champions League will be strengthened.

Prediction Real Madrid-Barcelona

It looks like it will be chaotic as always and with Barcelona confident and feeling like they can hurt Real Madrid, that can only be good for this rivalry. Expect lots of goals and a draw. Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona.