“There are many important matches in the world, but there is only one Clasico. When it arrives, it feels as if the whole world stops.” Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho offered that description ahead of another chapter of football’s most iconic rivalry.

El Clasico is synonymous with intensity, rivalry and drama. Few matches in world football can match the history, quality and hostility of Barcelona vs Real Madrid. This time, the occasion carries an extra layer of intrigue with Mourinho back in the Real Madrid dugout.

The first Clasico of the season will be played on Sunday at Camp Nou, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00am Bangladesh time.

Barcelona Hold the Recent Edge

Barcelona have recorded three consecutive home league wins over Real Madrid only once in the 21st century, achieving the feat under Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2010. Hansi Flick’s side now have the opportunity to repeat that achievement.

Across all competitions, Barcelona have lost only one of their last seven meetings with their biggest rivals. They have also won their last two home league Clasicos.

In the most recent meeting at Camp Nou last May, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2–0 and secured the league title with the victory.

Mourinho Returns to the Clasico

Mourinho will take charge of a Clasico for the first time in 13 years. The Portuguese coach has faced Barcelona 27 times and managed 17 Clasicos during his previous spell at Real Madrid.

Florentino Perez first appointed Mourinho in 2010 with the aim of challenging Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona side. Mourinho’s first tenure produced some of the most fiercely contested Clasicos of the modern era.

He won only one of his first 10 Clasicos, but remained unbeaten in his final five, winning three of them.

Real Madrid have also recovered well after suffering two defeats earlier in the season. Since the international break, they have won all four of their matches across competitions, scoring four goals in each of their last three games.

Mourinho, however, believes previous form means little in a Clasico.

“We are in a good rhythm—we are winning, playing well and scoring goals. But in a Clasico, what you did before is not important. It has no influence. The Clasico is completely different. Hopefully, it will be a great match and we will win.”

No Vinicius, More Responsibility for Mbappe

Real Madrid will be without Vinicius Junior, who is serving a four-match suspension after being sent off following an incident involving an opponent.

The Brazilian forward has not been at his best this season, scoring only once and providing three assists in 11 matches across all competitions. Young winger Yan Diomande has impressed more in recent games.

With Vinicius unavailable, Real Madrid will rely heavily on Kylian Mbappe. The French forward has an excellent record against Barcelona, scoring 12 goals in 10 meetings across all competitions—four in three appearances for PSG and eight in seven for Real Madrid.

Only two Real Madrid legends have scored more goals against Barcelona than Mbappe in the 21st century: Cristiano Ronaldo with 20 and Karim Benzema with 16.

Yamal Leads Barcelona’s Attack

Barcelona’s football under Hansi Flick has been consistently attractive and attacking, but their offensive output has reached another level this season. They have scored 39 goals in their first nine La Liga matches.

Lamine Yamal has been at the heart of that attacking threat. The young Spanish star has scored eight goals in nine league appearances and has 10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions in 12 matches.

Barcelona will nevertheless have to deal with several absences, including Dani Olmo and Jules Kounde, who are sidelined through injury. They also suffered a defeat away to PSG in their most recent match.

Flick, however, remains confident ahead of the Clasico.

“Clasico is always different. I think it is the best match in football. The whole world watches it. You can win three points, but it is about much more than that. Being part of the Clasico is incredible. Everyone in my team knows how we want to play. We are ready and confident.”

Revenge or More Dominance?

Mourinho’s return adds another layer of drama to a rivalry already filled with history. Real Madrid will be looking to turn their recent recovery into a statement victory, while Barcelona will aim to extend their recent dominance over their greatest rivals.

Can Mbappe lead Real Madrid’s attack without Vinicius? Will Yamal and Barcelona’s attacking stars once again expose Madrid’s defence? And will Camp Nou become the stage for Real Madrid’s revenge—or another celebration of Barcelona’s dominance?

The answers will come on Sunday night.