Barcelona prepares to host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday, Oct. 25, for the 265th edition of El Clasico. While Barcelona enters the match with a flawless 9-0-0 record, Real Madrid faces significant lineup changes due to Thibaut Courtois missing the game with the flu.

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A 124-year deadlock in the 265th El Clasico

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid remains one of the most balanced in sporting history. As the report indicates, the two clubs have played 264 times over the last 124 years, resulting in an even split of 106 wins for each side. This parity extends to the scoring records as well; Real Madrid has netted 444 goals in the fixture, just three more than Barcelona's 441.

This historical equilibrium makes Sunday's encounter particularly significant, as any winner will claim a slight edge in the all-time series dating back to 1888.. The match is set to be a high-profile event, with the source noting that La Liga matches frequently attract global celebrities, including figures like Shakira for Barcelona or Rafael Nadal for Real Madrid.

The nine-point gap and Jose Mourinho's precarious return

Barcelona enters the Spotify Camp Nou match with a perfect La Liga record of 9-0-0 and 27 points. Real Madrid currently sits in third place with 21 points from seven matches. According to the report, a victory for Barcelona would extend their lead to nine points over their arch-rivals.

This growing gap places immense pressure on Jose Mourinho, who is only three months into his return to Real Madrid. With the club having gone two seasons without a major trophy, the stakes for Los Blancos are incredibly high. The report suggests that while there is no immediate sign of Mourinho facing dismissal, the culture at Madrid dictates that the team must win silverware to maintain stability.

Thibaut Courtois's flu diagnosis and the Lunin contingency

Real Madrid's defensive stability faces a sudden test as star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of the match due to the flu. This absence forces Andriy Lunin into the starting lineup for his first appearance of the current season. While Jude Bellingham is confirmed to start for Real Madrid, the sudden change in the goalmouth could disrupt the team's taactical rhythm.

Anthony Gordon's debut in Barcelona's front three

Barcelona is expected to field a potent attacking lineup featuring Anthony Gordon alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphina. This marks the first El Clasico appearance for Gordon, who joins a side looking to maintain its undefeated streak.. The trio is described by the source as a "devastating front three" that will look to exploit any gaps in the Madrid defense.

Who will fill the gaps in the unconfirmed Real Madrid XI?

While key players like Bellingham and Gordon have been named, the full starting lineups for both clubs remain unconfirmed. There are several unanswered questions regarding how Real Madrid will adjust their midfield to compensate for the high-intensity pressure expected from the home side. Additionally, observers are left to wonder if the absence of Courtois will be the deciding factor in a match where the historical win-loss record is perfectly even.