One of the biggest match ups across the European leagues is the El Clasico, there is an element of the best going up against the best as two European giants go head-to-head this weekend.
Barcelona won all three games last season, one being the Copa Del Rey final, with all fixtures providing plenty of entertainment and goals last season in what demonstrated superior quality as Real Madrid suffered with injuries and poor form through the year.
While hoping for a repeat, there is an element of improvement to Los Blancos through their performances and they find themselves top of La Liga, with Barcelona behind in second.
With not much difference between, we thought it would be a good idea to produce a combined XI of the two teams and see whether one team dominates in a fair selection process.
Here is the combined lineup for the match, based off their quality and potential, rather than current form. Also, the team is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to how both teams operate:
Goalkeeper
The selection comes down to Thibaut Courtois or Joan García, with Wojciech Szczęsny ruled out. Despite García's impressive form before his injury, the Belgian is the clear choice. His consistency and sustained, impressive performances throughout the current season, which have perhaps not received due recognition, ultimately provide the more dependable and high-level option.
Right back
This presents arguably the most challenging selection in the squad. Choosing Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia is a genuine dilemma, as the group includes three world-class right-backs, each with their unique, elite skillset, alongside the player arguably enjoying the best individual form this season.
However, to construct the absolute strongest XI, the choice must fall to Dani Carvajal. While Kounde offers a similar two-way strength of attack and defence, Carvajal operates with greater consistency and fewer defensive errors.
Centre backs
The centre-back selection is also particularly challenging, as no defender has truly stood out this season for either club. Dean Huijsen’s campaign has been disrupted, he arrived with promise but was sent off and then sidelined by injury. Ronald Araújo has found himself benched, Éder Militão is still regaining rhythm after a long-term injury, and Pau Cubarsí hasn’t quite matched the high standards he set last year.
The only centre-back who has genuinely impressed this season is Eric Garcia, and on current form, he would merit inclusion in the squad. Looking ahead, however, the brightest prospects remain Dean Huijsen and Pau Cubarsí, a duo that could one day form a Spanish partnership reminiscent of Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos. Éder Militão also deserves recognition for his quality and experience, and he would likely take a spot on the bench alongside Garcia.
Left back
The easiest decision in the lineup comes at left-back, where Alejandro Balde faces virtually no competition. Real Madrid’s equivalent, Álvaro Carreras, has shown flashes of promise and performed well during his spell at Benfica, but he’s yet to reach the elite levels once set by legends like Roberto Carlos or Jordi Alba, players who used to define this fixture.
Central midfielders
The central midfield is overflowing with talent, featuring Fede Valverde, Frenkie de Jong, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Marc Casado all in contention. One name, however, picks himself, not only because he’s my personal favourite, but because he’s arguably the best in the world in his position right now.
Step forward, Pedri.
Choosing his partner is far trickier. Frenkie de Jong offers that trademark Dutch composure and competitiveness, while Tchouaméni provides an ideal balance between attack and defence. Yet, my pick is Real Madrid’s tireless Uruguayan, Fede Valverde. For me, he has been one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe for years , a relentless engine with quality to match.
Attacking midfielder
My choices from the two squads come down to Fermín López and Jude Bellingham, with Dani Olmo, Arda Güler, and Brahim Díaz narrowly missing out. I can already hear the backlash from football fans, as this is undoubtedly a controversial call but my pick is Fermín López.
There’s no question that Bellingham offers immense quality, yet I feel he can drift out of games, particularly when he isn’t the focal point of the team’s buildup. Fermín, on the other hand, constantly looks to get involved, finding clever pockets of space between the lines to exploit, a trait I highly value in an attacking midfielder.
Right wing
Is it Lamine Yamal or Rodrygo? Many Real Madrid fans would agree that the Brazilian is much better but that is falling on dead eyes here. Yamal is the next superstar.
The selection of Lamine Yamal is a nod to his extraordinary, prodigious talent and his current role as Barcelona's most electric creative outlet. Operating primarily from the right flank, his elite dribbling skills and masterful technique allow him to consistently beat defenders one-on-one, creating chances from seemingly impossible positions.
Left wing
Sorry, Vinicus Jr and Marcus Rashford but there is one person's form from last season and, while fit this season, his vital G/A contributions is evident for his pick.
Raphinha earns his spot on the left wing for his tireless work rate, proven ability to deliver key contributions in the final third, and tactical versatility. His powerful left foot provides a crucial inverted-winger threat, capable of delivering pin-point crosses or curling efforts into the far corner.
Centre forward
Kylian Mbappé represents the quintessential Centre Forward in this combined XI, chosen for his unmatched goal-scoring potency and ability to decisively win matches. Since arriving at Real Madrid, he has seamlessly integrated his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement to immediately become the most feared striker in La Liga, especially his goal scoring form this season.
A 3/4 year younger Robert Lewandowski would had run the French forward close, with Ferran Torres not in the same league.
The combined line-up: Courtois, Carjaval, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Balde, Valverde, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Yamal, Mbappe, Raphinha
Barcelona: 6 - Real Madrid: 5