History could be made in the Clasico this weekend and it is history Real Madrid will do anything to avoid

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Martin Macdonald | Author

In the eyes of many, El Clasico, contested by Real Madrid and Barcelona, is the biggest match on the calendar of any domestic league.

More often than not, particularly this century, fixtures between the Blaugrana and Los Blancos are pivotal to the championship race and the game between the Clasico rivals this Sunday is one that could have historic consequences.

While Madrid and Barca fiercely contest their two La Liga matches each season, for the 2025/26 campaign, the second encounter between the two comes extremely late in the season and will have ramifications for the destination of the title, as Barcelona could win the title if they defeat or draw with Madrid this weekend.

Never in the history of the Clasico has the title been mathematically decided due to the outcome of a Barcelona versus Real Madrid match.

At this point, it's a foregone conclusion that Barcelona will win La Liga as they only need one point from their remaining four games to do so. After 34 games, they are 11 points clear of Madrid in second, with four games yet to play.

Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 this past weekend, with Vinicius Junior scoring two goals in the second half, and it is that result that sets up the showdown this coming Sunday.

Los Blancos, having sacked Xabi Alonso earlier this season, have been underwhelming in 2025/6 which has allowed Barca to cruise to the title in the final third of the campaign. Still, they'll strive to ensure that Barca don't win the league via a victory against them at Camp Nou.

What that victory against Espanyol did do, however, is allow them to avoid giving Barcelona a guard of honour in the match this weekend.

If Barca win their final four games they will finish with a record-equalling 100 points - achieved by Madrid in 2011-12 and themselves in 2012-13.

Madrid are facing only their second trophyless campaign in 16 years, having failed to lift silverware in the 202/21 season.