Real Madrid have been nearly flawless this season, securing 11 wins in 12 matches across all competitions, with their only setback coming in a 3-1 defeat away to Atletico Madrid at the end of September.

Under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos have won eight of their nine La Liga fixtures, amassing 24 points to sit at the top of the table — two clear of second-placed Barcelona. Their most recent league outing ended in a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe.

Madrid also claimed a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Jude Bellingham once again finding the net to maintain their perfect record in the group stage.

Although Real haven’t always been at their dominant best, conceding nine goals in nine league games, they remain Spain’s second-highest scorers with 20 goals — just four behind Barcelona.

The capital club face a busy run before the November international break. They will host Valencia at the Bernabéu on November 1, travel to Liverpool for a Champions League clash three days later, and then meet Rayo Vallecano on November 9.

Revenge will be on Madrid’s mind heading into El Clásico, as Barcelona defeated them in all four encounters last season — across three different competitions — including a memorable 4-0 triumph at the Bernabéu last October.

Barcelona, meanwhile, enjoyed a confidence-boosting 6-1 win over Olympiacos in midweek Champions League action, taking their tally to six points from the opening three group games.

The Catalan giants had stumbled before the international break with a 4-1 loss to Sevilla, but they rebounded with a 2-1 victory over Girona last weekend before demolishing Olympiacos in Europe. Their only other dropped league points came in a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in August.

Injuries have disrupted Hansi Flick’s plans early in the season, particularly in attack and defence, with the backline looking vulnerable ahead of the Bernabéu clash.

Before the next international window, Barcelona will play four more matches — including league fixtures against Elche and Celta Vigo, and a Champions League trip to Club Brugge.

Flick’s side will once again look to young star Lamine Yamal for a spark in Sunday’s showdown, though he’ll need strong support from his teammates, especially with several key attackers expected to miss out.