Vinícius Júnior will look to beat Zamora Trophy favourite Joan García, while the midfield battle for control of the tempo is likely to be just as decisive.
The second ELCLASICO of the 2025/26 LALIGA EA SPORTS season is just around the corner, with fans from all around the world looking forward to savouring the biggest derby in the continent – a matchup that features some of the finest players around. Games between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are often decided by fine margins, with the teams who win the key on-pitch battles having the upper hand in such a high-stakes encounter. Here’s a look at the five battles that could decide Sunday’s ELCLASICO. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet
Joan García vs Vinícius
With Kylian Mbappé a major injury doubt, an in-form Vinícius is expected to step up in Real Madrid’s bid to double their league wins over FC Barcelona this season. Having scored 15 league goals so far this term, the Brazilian winger is Los Blancos’ second-top scorer in the competition. Yet, his task will be anything but simple, as he will be called to beat a solid Joan García – the front-runner for this season’s Zamora Trophy. Having conceded 20 goals in 28 games, the FC Barcelona goalkeeper leads the race for the accolade. García has managed a league-high 14 clean sheets, with his contributions key to FC Barcelona’s back-to-back title aspirations. Vinícius has scored just two goals in 13 league games against the Catalan side, while García will look for his first clean sheet as a Barça player against Real Madrid.
Antonio Rüdiger vs Robert Lewandowski
As two of the most experienced players currently plying their trade in LALIGA EA SPORTS, Rüdiger and Lewandowski have faced each other 14 times throughout their careers. Curiously, none of those games ended in a draw, with the Poland striker having celebrated a victory on 10 occasions. At club level, Lewandowski has netted in half of the 12 games where he faced Rüdiger, having bagged seven goals against the Real Madrid centre-back. Having registered two goals and an assist in his last three appearances, the FC Barcelona striker is now set to lock horns with Rüdiger, who will look to effectively neutralise his opponent.
The midfield battle
The upcoming ELCLASICO will feature a clash between FC Barcelona’s La Masia-raised midfield trident and Real Madrid’s star-studded trio, as the likes of Dani Olmo, Pedri and Gavi aim to win the midfield skirmish against Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. This might well be the most important on-pitch battle of the game, as the team which manages to dictate the tempo on Sunday will significantly boost their chances of ensuring the bragging rights after the final whistle.
Raphinha vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Having recovered from an injury that had sidelined him for six games after the March international break, Raphinha was an unused sub against CA Osasuna and he’s now expected to return to action in ELCLASICO. Whether featuring from the offset or coming off the bench, his duel against Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to capture the attention of the fans. An attacking-minded full-back by nature, the England international could turn himself into a playmaker at any given opportunity. Containing him requires a winger diligent at both ends of the pitch and Raphinha could play a major role in nullifying Alexander-Arnold by tracking back, pressing high and keeping him busy in the final third.
Roony Bardghji vs expectations
Lamine Yamal’s injury might have come as a major blow for FC Barcelona, but the Catalans have managed to win each of their last two games without one of the most talented players in the world. Covering for the Spain international is 20-year-old Roony Bardghji, who undoubtedly has big boots to fill. Having scored once in 19 league games, most of which he came off the bench, Roony is set make his first-ever ELCLASICO start. The bar of expectations has been raised high, with pressure reaching unprecedented levels in such games, but the youngster has shown glimpses of his talent and is now called to put in a performance that could carve out a special place in the fans’ hearts.
