The latest iteration of El Clásico won’t be shy of talent, but the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be bereft of its two biggest stars.

Madrid’s indifferent 2025–26 campaign will end without silverware, and Barça have the chance to clinch the La Liga title in the face of their competitive nemesis on Sunday night.

Barça’s lengthy winning run since succumbing to Catalonian friends Girona in February has cut a woefully inconsistent Madrid adrift, with Hansi Flick’s side, prepared to go back-to-back, 11 points clear at the summit.

This is set to be a night Madrid will want to escape and quickly forget, with their leading goalscorer, Kylian Mbappé, among those unavailable.…