Barcelona heads into Sunday's clash fresh from a thrilling Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, where the Italian side secured a 7-6 aggregate victory thanks to their 4-3 win in the second leg on Tuesday night.

Hansi Flick's team was just moments from advancing, as Raphinha put them ahead on the night and in the tie in the 87th minute, but Inter equalized in the 93rd minute and added another goal in extra time, leaving Barcelona devastated.

The disappointment is fading, and Barcelona can still celebrate a strong season if they clinch the La Liga title, having already won the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey in 2025.

Barcelona leads the La Liga title race by four points over second-placed Real Madrid and has won their last four league matches, including a 2-1 victory against Real Valladolid last weekend.

The Catalan outfit will face Espanyol, Villarreal, and Athletic Bilbao in their remaining three league games, where even a draw on Sunday would solidify their position, though a loss could give Real Madrid a real chance.

Flick's squad has defeated Real Madrid three times this season, including a dominant 4-0 win at the Bernabeu in La Liga last October, as well as triumphs in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals.

Real Madrid remains in the title hunt regardless of this weekend's result, but realistically, a win is essential for them to have any hope of topping the table.

Los Blancos started the season with the UEFA Super Cup in August, but this campaign would be seen as underwhelming without the La Liga title, following their Champions League quarter-final exit against Arsenal and a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.

A managerial change is anticipated this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso favored to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who might continue his career in the Saudi Pro League.

Having had a full week to prepare, Real Madrid is in good shape, as they haven't played since their 3-2 win over Celta Vigo last weekend.

Los Blancos have also won their last four league matches, recording clean sheets in three, and they have won two of their last three La Liga encounters with Barcelona, including a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture of the 2023-24 season.

Alejandro Balde has returned to Barcelona's training on Thursday after recovering from a hamstring injury, and he is likely to start in El Clasico on Sunday afternoon.

Robert Lewandowski is expected to return to the lineup after coming off the bench against Inter due to his hamstring issue, while Inigo Martinez is fit despite a recent muscular concern.

Pablo Torre and Marc Casado are doubtful due to knee injuries, while Jules Kounde and Marc Bernal are confirmed absentees.

Flick faces a key decision in goal, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen now fit and potentially starting over Wojciech Szczesny, who has performed well since joining.

For Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Eduardo Camavinga are all out for the rest of the season due to injuries.

Rodrygo should be available after recovering from illness, but Arda Guler is expected to start following his standout performance against Celta Vigo.

Federico Valverde might play at right-back, with Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric likely in central midfield, allowing Jude Bellingham to advance further up the field.

Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are guaranteed starters, with the latter aiming for his first win against Barcelona as a Real Madrid player, having lost all three previous meetings this season.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Ter Stegen; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Tchouameni, F Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe