Amongst the most famous rivalries in world football, the El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona rarely fails to deliver.
What was once Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema vs Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale vs Neymar Jr, is now Kylian Mbappe vs Robert Lewandowski, Vinicius Jr vs Lamine Yamal and Rodrygo vs Raphinha.
A fascinating spectacle irrespective of the players on show, we've assembled a combined XI consisting of current players from each half of the famous Real Madrid-Barcelona divide.
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 an impressive 300 appearances for the club and never fails to disappoint on the main stage, renowned for his remarkable performance in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final when his side limped past Liverpool.
Despite an outstanding debut season and the undoubted quality of Joan Garcia, 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, with Dani Carvajal injury-prone and Trent Alexander-Arnold suspect defensively.
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 side since the German took charge.
CB: Eder Militao
Since joining the club in 2019, Eder Militao has been part of a Real Madrid 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 Antonio Rudiger.
CB: Pau Cubarsi
A lynchpin in the Barcelona backline at a tender age, there's evidence to suggest that Pau Cubarsi could put his name alongside the likes of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol by the time his career draws to a close.
Renowned for his defensive maturity and ball-playing ability, Cubarsi has all the ingredients to be a world-beater on his day.
LB: Joao Cancelo
Completing the Barcelona full-back partnership is Joao Cancelo, who's proven he's still got what it takes to compete an elite level since joining on loan from Al Hilal in January.
The Portuguese ace has displaced the enterprising Alejandro Balde in Flick's XI and Cancelo will make history as the first player this century to win four of Europe's top five leagues.
CM: Frenkie de Jong
An unsung hero in a Barcelona side packed with stars, Frenkie de Jong rediscovered his form under Flick until injury struck.
Having previously been linked with a move away from the club, the Dutchman was hellbent on staying put and fighting for a place in the XI. Well, he's done exactly that and is now the glue to a well-oiled midfield.
CM: Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde has been an ever-present in recent years for Real Madrid, signifying his importance to the club.
The Uruguayan is a tireless operator who can play both centrally and out on the right flank, rapidly moulding into the complete midfielder and one who can aid this Real Madrid team both defensively, with his work-rate, and offensively, with his technical proficiencies.
The ultimate team player, Valverde has the capacity to improve even further and become a mainstay at the Bernabeu for many years to come.
CM: Pedri
While many credit Barcelona for the production of Pedri, he actually made the move to the club in 2020, in a €5 million deal from Espanyol.
It isn't just Pedri's goalscoring ability that earns him a place in the side; the Spanish international fits the Barcelona midfield role perfectly, characterised by his exceptional technical ability.
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.
RW: Lamine Yamal
A unique talent that comes about very rarely, Lamine Yamal is already considered by many as one of the best players in the world.
While this wasn't enough to clinch the 2025 Ballon d'Or award, finishing second in the standings, a second successive Kopa Trophy is proof of the kind of player that Barcelona have on their hands.
The prodigious winger is doubtedly one of the first names on the team sheet.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
After years of flirtatious signals, Kylian Mbappe finally made the move to the Spanish capital during the 2024/25 summer transfer window.
While many had questioned the cohesion of Real following Mbappe's arrival and what this could mean for the Frenchman, he's had no issue in scoring goals - even if his team find themselves on the precipice of a rare, second successive back-to-back seasons.
Robert Lewandowski can count himself unfortunate to miss out, but there is no displacing Mbappe.
LW: Raphinha
A revelation in Barca's 2024/25 league winning campaign, Raphinha registered a remarkable 60 goal contributions, 22 of which came in Europe's most prestigious club competition.
This campaign the Brazilian has failed to replicate those heights, but he still gets the nod over the polarising Vinicius Junior, who has struggled for consistency.
