Barcelona vs Real Madrid best XI: Mbappe snubbed as Barcelona dominate El Clasico selection

Ahead of this season's first El Clasico, Spanish football braces itself for another feisty installment of its most storied rivalry as Barcelona host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou for a blockbuster clash on Sunday night.

Under German tactician Hansi Flick, Barcelona continue to play with high-intensity, a vibrant high line, and attacking verve that puts fear into opposing teams, but occasionally, defensive frailties as a result of the high line are highlighted in their matches. However, scoring more than their opponents has ensured they have picked up maximum points in all nine games played so far in La Liga.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have navigated early-season squad adjustments with new boss Jose Mourinho. Los Blancos have ground out crucial results in some of the away matches they lost last season, showcasing their terrifying depth across various areas of the pitch. Despite losing twice in nine top-flight games (W7), they remain firmly in the race for the title going into El Clasico.

With these Spanish football powerhouses having squads that boast an excess of world-class stars, this combined starting XI takes into account early-season form, tactical output, and individual brilliance; seven Barcelona players feature, clearly edging out the four from Real Madrid.

Here, Football Whispers takes a closer look at the combined best XI from Barcelona and Real Madrid so far this season, as decided by Sportsmonks, a major sports data provider.

GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Towering 6 ft 7 in, Courtois' sheer physical presence alters the geometry of the penalty box and keeps attackers guessing which area is best to place their shots. The Belgian has been the gold standard for goalkeepers, not just in La Liga but also in world football for years now.

Courtois has been a vital anchor for Los Blancos, producing crucial, clutch saves to bail out his backline when under pressure this season. His commanding aerial presence and uncanny ability to win one-on-one duels make him an indispensable asset to Jose Mourinho's side. As far as goalkeeping goes, no one in the league does it better than him, and his place on this list is undisputed.

RB: Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Denzel Dumfries has not been putting up standout individual numbers or locking down a permanent spot in Real Madrid's starting XI this season; however, he has been rated 6.8 by Sportsmonks, warranting a place in a combined El Clasico best XI ahead of Jules Kounde and Trent Alexander-Arnold so far this campaign.

Following his summer move from Inter Milan, the Dutch right-back has experienced an uneven start to the season, totaling 427 minutes across seven La Liga games with no goals or assists in domestic play.

CB: Eric Garcia (Barcelona)

Apart from managing occasional fitness concerns, Eric Garcia has been a rock in Barcelona’s defence, with his versatility earning him starts at both right-back and centre-back.

The Spaniard's ability to step out from the back and initiate attacks with progressive passing adds an extra dimension to Barcelona’s high press. Ahead of El Clasico, the 25-year-old has racked up 604 minutes in eight league matches, scoring one goal.

CB: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)

Few young central defenders possess the extraordinary composure and passing range of Pau Cubarsi. Despite being just 19, the La Masia graduate plays with the maturity of a seasoned veteran for both club and country.

With an exceptionally high pass completion rate and a natural ability to read the game, Cubarsi initiates Barcelona’s high defensive line with supreme confidence. His composure under intense opposition pressing has saved Barcelona on numerous occasions this term. So far, he has featured in six league games for Barcelona, registering two assists and accumulating 512 minutes.

LB: Xavi Espart (Barcelona)

Since his rapid promotion to the first team, Xavi Espart has quickly become a vital component of Flick's current squad; he offers crucial depth across multiple positions, and his ability to score, provide assists, and slot seamlessly into left-back and right-back roles has relegated Alejandro Balde in the club's pecking order and earned him a rating of 7.2.

Without a doubt, the 19-year-old will feature in Sunday's game, but whether as a left-back or right-back is solely for Flick to decide. So far, he has accumulated 620 minutes of football in the top flight, scoring once and assisting twice.

LCM: Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

One of football's most talented modern midfielders is Arda Guler, who brings unmatched vision, dynamism, and creativity to Real Madrid’s midfield. It has been difficult for Mourinho not to start him in games this season; when he does not start, the team suffers, but when he comes on, the team is rejuvenated.

At the time of writing, the Turkish sensation is the best creative midfielder in the league, with eight big chances created for his teammates, who have converted just two of them; he has bagged two goals in 502 minutes and is rated 7.7 by Sportsmonks.

CDM: Rodri (Barcelona)

Arguably one of this generation's most aesthetically pleasing and respected central midfielders, Rodri is the gear that makes this season's Barcelona tick in the middle of the park. Operating from the centre of the pitch, the Ballon d'Or winner dictates the tempo, seamlessly connects defence to attack, and unlocks low blocks with effortless grace, allowing his teammates to find space up front to score goals.

While the work of most holding midfielders may go unnoticed, Rodri's pressing intensity and defensive work have always been highly praised, with his silkiness on the ball and exceptional vision an ideal stroke of luck for this Barcelona team. Barring minor rotations, when Rodri is on the pitch, the Blaugrana simply look too sure to win. So far, he has featured in eight league matches, accumulating 517 minutes and scoring once.

RCM: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

A sensational force of nature, Jude Bellingham continues to mesmerise fans with his goalscoring instincts (3 league goals, 3 assists) and his spatial awareness from deep or advanced midfield areas for Real Madrid.

Tactically, Bellingham thrives in the half-spaces, arriving late into the box with impeccable timing. His ability to grab matches by the scruff of the neck and turn the tide single-handedly makes him one of the first names on any combined team sheet, even ahead of Barcelona duo Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo.

RW: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

One of football's most electrifying talents, Lamine Yamal has taken world football by storm; the teenager plays with jaw-dropping maturity, tormenting seasoned full-backs with his mesmerising left-foot dribbling and vision, which will be evident in Sunday's clash with Real Madrid.

Whether cutting inside to bend efforts into the far corner or sliding defence-splitting passes, Yamal is already Barcelona's primary creative catalyst. He easily edges out the competition to lock down the right wing, and for this season's output in the final third, the contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has bagged eight goals and six assists and has played the most La Liga minutes (741) this season for Barcelona.

CF: Raphinha (Barcelona)

There is perhaps no more lethal transition threat in La Liga this season than Raphinha. Deployed as a false 9 following the club's failure to bring in Julian Alvarez, the Brazilian has settled seamlessly into the role, routinely punishing defences with his blistering speed and lethal finishing.

Side by side this season with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, the former Leeds United man stands clear, having scored 12 goals and provided three assists in eight league matches, to take home the centre-forward spot in the El Clasico combined best XI ahead of the Frenchman.

LW: Anthony Gordon (Barcelona)

Anthony Gordon, in his opening eight La Liga matches, has registered one goal and four assists, showcasing a sharp, direct creative presence on the left flank under Flick's system.

His vibrant form has allowed him to personally earn an undisputed starting berth on the left flank ahead of direct teammate Karim Adeyemi, as well as his Real Madrid rival Vinicius Junior.