Combined XI: Real Madrid v Barcelona (Current)

One of the most famous rivalries in world football, the latest El Clasico meeting of Real Madrid and Barcelona will see Los Blancos look to extend their commanding eight-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was the hero in the last El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu back in April, with the Englishman netting the winner in injury time to seal a 3-2 victory for Los Blancos after trailing 2-1.

There is just a three point gap between the two sides as Barcelona top the table, with both Carlo Ancelotti and Hansi Flick's squads packed with quality.

In anticipation of this weekend's spectacle in the Spanish capital, we have pieced together a combined XI featuring players from the two La Liga adversaries.

Focusing on players who are fit and available for El Clasico on Sunday, our selected team is assembled in a 4-3-3 formation...

GK: Thibaut Courtois

Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Thibaut Courtois has made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.

The 6ft 7ins Belgian has made 179 appearances for the club and never seems to disappoint on the main stage.

With Barcelona forced into the market for a goalkeeper following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury, they signed Wojciech Szczęsny on a free transfer.

Despite Szczęsny's experience, there is simply no replacing Courtois in this combined XI.

RB: Jules Kounde

Jules Kounde enters this combined XI with perhaps a little bit of fortune, as Real Madrid's usual right back, Dani Carvajal, has recently suffered an injury which will keep him out of action for a long period.

That said, we shouldn't discount the quality that Kounde possesses. The former central defender has made a transition to play as a right back in recent years, and has seemingly become a mainstay in Flick's team at the start of his tenure.

Kounde will be tasked with the job of defending Vinicius Junior in this weekend's fixture, but if he can stand his ground in 1v1 situations the way we know he can, there is a chance we may see the Frenchman come out on top.

CB: Eder Militao

Despite spending a large period of the 2023/24 campaign on the sidelines, there is no denying Eder Militao's ability.

Since joining the club in 2019, the Brazilian has been part of a squad that has won the UEFA Champions League on two occasions, and the La Liga three times.

He is known for making a centre forward's life hell on matchdays, persistently following the movements of his opponent and defending on the front foot.

This, along with his immense physical attributes, means he slots into the combined XI over the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martínez.

CB: Antonio Rudiger

Arriving at Real Madrid on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2022, Antonio Rudiger initially struggled to dislodge a centre-back partnership of Eder Militao and David Alaba in his first season at the Bernabeu.

With both Militao and Alaba struck down by ACL injuries last term, Rudiger became the cornerstone of a Real Madrid defence which conceded the fewest goals in La Liga.

An aggressive defender who never shirks a physical exchange on the pitch, Rudiger is also exceptionally quick on the ground and comfortable in possession.

LB: Alejandro Balde

Completing the Barcelona full back partnership in this combined XI is Alejandro Balde.

Balde joined Barcelona in 2011 at the age of eight and made his debut for the club on 14th September 2021.

The Spaniard appears the perfect profile for a modern day left back- athletic, aggressive, direct and enthusiastic.

If the left back's career develops in the way that we expect it to, Barcelona may have found their long-term Jordi Alba replacement.

CM: Pedri

While many still believe Pedri was a product of the Barcelona academy, he actually made the move to the club in 2020, in a €5 million deal from Espanyol.

The Spanish international has scored 19 times for Barcelona in 108 appearances. However, it isn't just his goalscoring ability which earns him a place in the side.

Pedri is an intelligent, creative, and hard-working player who fits the Barcelona midfield role perfectly.

Moving on from the mesmerising midfield trio of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets was always going to be a task, but they may have found a player who constitutes at least some of their top attributes.

CM: Jude Bellingham

Although much was expected of Jude Bellingham following his £88.5m switch from Borussia Dortmund last summer, the 21-year-old Englishman's impact at Real Madrid has been nothing short of sensational.

In the absence of a recognised world-class striker following Karim Benzema's departure to Al-Ittihad in 2023, Bellingham had been charged with assuming major attacking responsibility in an advanced midfield position in his maiden season in Madrid.

This tactical approach employed by Carlo Ancelotti - which typically saw Bellingham positioned just behind inside forwards Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr - proved dividends, with the England international netting 23 times last season.

The introduction of Kylian Mbappe has meant Bellingham's role has changed slightly, operating a in a deeper role compared to last season.

CM: Federico Valverde

Federico Valverde played 37 of a possible 38 games in the La Liga last season, signifying his importance in Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Valverde is a tireless operator who can play both centrally and out on the right flank and a somebody who is fast-moulding into the complete midfielder, one who can aid this Real Madrid team both defensively, with his work-rate, and offensively, with his technical abilities.

The ultimate team player, at 26 years of age, Valverde has the capacity to improve even further and become a mainstay at the Bernabeu for many years to come.

RW: Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal made his debut for the club in the 2022/23 season, playing just once in the La Liga campaign.

He followed that up by playing 37 times in the 2023/24 La Liga term, truly announcing himself as one of Europe's biggest prospects.

The winger specialises in cutting in from the right hand side onto his favoured left foot, with the ability to find a teammate or fire goalward, as evident through his four goals and six assists so far this season.

The Spanish international starred at the 2024 EURO campaign, publicizing his unique talent to those who weren't already familiar. He and Spain went on to claim the nation's fourth European Championship.

ST: Kylian Mbappe

After years of back and fourth, Kylian Mbappe finally made the move over to the Spanish capital during the summer transfer window.

The French international has maybe yet to hit the heights many had hoped, but has still weighed in with six goals and an assist across his opening nine La Liga games.

While many have questioned the cohesion of the Los Blancos side since Mbappe's entrance, Real are yet to lose in the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, suggesting Ancelotti has found a sustainable way to fit the array of talent he has at his disposal into the team.

LW: Vinicius Junior

Developing into one of the faces of Real Madrid in recent seasons, 24-year-old Brazil international Vinicius Jr is now widely recognised as one of the top attacking players in world football.

A fearless forward renowned for his direct running and ever-improving finishing, Vinicius is a nightmare for opposition defences to contend with.

With the Ballon d'Or winner soon to be announced, Vinicius Junior is in with a strong chance of claiming the prestigious honour.