Reigning champions Bar\u00e7a currently trail Madrid, but that could all change this weekend. A tantalizing fixture brought to life by the most magical footballers on the planet. <\/p>\n
Both sides boast an abundance of elite talent in every single department, making a combined XI quite the team. Here\u2019s Sports Illustrated\u2019s side based on availability. <\/p>\n
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GK: Thibaut Courtois<\/p>\n
Thibaut Courtois is an elite stopper. \/ IMAGO\/Sportimage<\/p>\n
There can be no arguments from Barcelona supporters over the starting goalkeeper in a combined lineup, with Thibaut Courtois taking residence between the sticks. Even if two of Bar\u00e7a\u2019s three goalkeepers weren\u2019t sidelined with injury, the towering Belgian would still be a guaranteed starter.<\/p>\n
Courtois has been in tremendous form for club and country once again this season and will be certain to make Barcelona\u2019s assignment all the more challenging on Sunday. <\/p>\n
RB: Jules Kound\u00e9<\/p>\n
Jules Kound\u00e9 is a top performer. \/ Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal both injury doubts for Sunday, Jules Kound\u00e9 is the undisputed starter in our XI. The Frenchman is ever so consistent and has been integral to Hansi Flick\u2019s Barcelona.<\/p>\n
Alexander-Arnold has the potential to steal Kound\u00e9\u2019s spot in the future, but for now the 26-year-old is our starting right back. <\/p>\n
CB: \u00c9der Milit\u00e3o<\/p>\n
\u00c9der Milit\u00e3o is ever so good when not plagued by injury. \/ Alvaro Medranda\/Quality Sport Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Antonio R\u00fcdiger\u2019s long-term injury offers \u00c9der Milit\u00e3o a promotion above his clubmate. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries consistently over recent seasons, but few can argue against his remarkable quality when fit and firing. <\/p>\n
Quick, strong and commanding in the heart of defense, Milt\u00e3o is a wonderful center back. <\/p>\n
CB: Pau Cubars\u00ed<\/p>\n
Pau Cubars\u00ed is wise beyond his years. \/ Koji Watanabe\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Pau Cubars\u00ed\u2019s ascent to superstardom has been as remarkable as it\u2019s been swift. The 18-year-old boasts exceptional maturity and composure given his tender age, seldom making a wrong step in Flick\u2019s demanding system. <\/p>\n
The Spaniard is already among the world\u2019s best central defenders and has regularly proven his credentials up against world-class center forwards. He will have to prove them again on Sunday. <\/p>\n
LB: Alejandro Balde<\/p>\n
Alejandro Balde has battled injuries in recent seasons. \/ Diego Souto\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u00c1lvaro Carreras has made an excellent start to life at Madrid following his summer switch from Benfica and pushes Alejandro Balde closely for a place in the XI. However, due to the longevity and consistency of the Barcelona left back, he just makes the cut ahead of his compatriot. <\/p>\n
Balde represents the modern full back, tirelessly working the wing and providing relentless attacking support. It\u2019s hard to believe the Bar\u00e7a star is only 22.<\/p>\n
DM: Aur\u00e9lien Tchouam\u00e9ni<\/p>\n
Aur\u00e9lien Tchouam\u00e9ni is in excellent form. \/ Florencia Tan Jun\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Madrid and Bar\u00e7a are both blessed with an abundance of super talents in the engine room. Frenkie de Jong has been terrific for La Blaugrana, while Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde always deliver for Los Blancos. <\/p>\n
However, Aur\u00e9lien Tchouam\u00e9ni has been sensational in the heart of Xabi Alonso\u2019s midfield this season, screening the backline effectively with his mixture of tenacity and impressive positional intelligence. <\/p>\n
DM: Pedri<\/p>\n
A master on the ball. \/ David Ramos\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Pedri is one of world football\u2019s best midfielders\u2014if not the best\u2014and has continued to deliver decisive and majestic performances in Barcelona\u2019s engine room. The Spaniard simply oozes class in the double pivot, working in perfect tandem with midfield partner De Jong. <\/p>\n
Bar\u00e7a lean heavily on their exceptional playmaker to control matches, unlocking opponents with his stellar distribution. He\u2019s simply unplayable when on song. <\/p>\n
RW: Lamine Yamal<\/p>\n
Lamine Yamal is unstoppable. \/ Eric Alonso\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Much like his teammate Pedri, Lamine Yamal is unstoppable. Injuries have proved a frustration early in the campaign, but the electric teenager is already producing incredible numbers as he looks to build on his second-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d\u2019Or. <\/p>\n
Yamal has eight goal contributions in seven games this season and has regularly tormented Madrid in recent times with his speed, trickery and precision. He\u2019s the most enjoyable player on the planet to watch when operating at full tilt. <\/p>\n
AM: Jude Bellingham<\/p>\n
Jude Bellingham is working his way back to his best. \/ Alberto Gardin\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Jude Bellingham\u2019s minutes have been limited since the beginning of the season due to injury, but the midfielder\u2019s midweek performance in victory over Juventus underscored his immense talent when at full match sharpness. <\/p>\n
Few can begrudge Bellingham a place in our XI based on past credit over current form, with the England international too good to ignore. Barcelona supporters have discovered that the hard way in past Cl\u00e1sicos. <\/p>\n
LW: Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior<\/p>\n
Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior is always a livewire. \/ Thomas Coex\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n