Barca's 10th win streak in sight as El Clasico looms
Barcelona aim to break a 1968-69 record with a 10th straight La Liga win, as Mourinho’s Real Madrid prepare to challenge at Camp Nou [1].
Barcelona are poised to make La Liga history by achieving a 10th consecutive victory to start the season, a record previously set by Real Madrid in 1968-69 [1]. The chance to surpass that milestone arrives on Sunday, when the two sides meet at Camp Nou in a pivotal El Clasico (20:00 GMT).
Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho, arrive with recent momentum, having won their past two matches 4-1 against Sevilla and RB Leipzig [1]. Yet Mourinho emphasized that past performances carry little weight in a fixture of such global significance: "The Clasico is different. What we have done before has no influence," he stated.
The match features six Ballon d'Or nominees: Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal, and Real Madrid’s Marc Cucurella, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe [1]. Key individual duels are anticipated, including Cucurella facing off against national team-mate Lamine Yamal on the right flank and Cubarsi confronting Mbappe, reigniting their rivalry after Spain’s 2-0 win over France in the World Cup semi-final.
Mbappe has been in exceptional form, scoring 12 goals in 12 appearances this season [1]. Barcelona’s attack has been potent, netting 50 goals in 12 games, but their defence has conceded 15, raising concerns. Hansi Flick acknowledged the need for improved organisation, particularly in defending against Madrid’s pace and set-piece threats, which he identified as a key area to improve after the Champions League loss to PSG.
Vinicius Jr is suspended, prompting Mourinho to reconfigure Madrid’s attacking approach [1]. The coach has not confirmed whether tactical adjustments will be made specifically to counter Lamine Yamal, but he stated: "He’s a great player, we respect great players. We aren’t going to completely change things. We won’t forget the way we do things". This claim, that Madrid will not alter their approach to contain Yamal, has been reported only by one source.
For Barcelona, a win would extend their lead over Real Madrid to nine points, reinforcing their status as early-season title favourites. For Mourinho’s side, stopping the run would narrow the gap to three points and deliver a significant psychological boost in their pursuit of domestic success [1].
Flick warned of Madrid’s attacking quality and stressed the importance of disciplined positioning, especially when defending with a high line [1]. Madrid’s best chance may lie in disrupting Barcelona’s possession, pressing effectively, and exploiting transitions.
The outcome could define both teams’ seasons — one chasing history, the other seeking redemption. The story was first reported by BBC News.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- BBC News: 'This is the only Clasico' - Mourinho's Real trying to stop Barca's shot at history
