The 3 key battles that will define Real Madrid’s Clásico vs Barcelona

Writer Ben Gray highlights three crucial individual duels that will shape Sunday night's Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou. League leaders Barcelona enter the match seeking a historic tenth straight victory to open the season, while José Mourinho's Real Madrid aim to recover from away defeats against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid will notably be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to the flu, as well as the suspended Vinícius Júnior.

According to the analysis, key matchups include Kylian Mbappé facing depleted Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, Jude Bellingham clashing with Pedri in midfield, and Marc Cucurella defending against winger Lamine Yamal. With Hansi Flick's Barcelona side depleted by defensive absences including Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen, Gray argues that Real Madrid's chances rely heavily on winning these decisive head-to-head encounters.