El Clásico score prediction, courtesy of EA Sports soccer simulator

This weekend will see the latest edition of the biggest rivalry in soccer as Real Madrid host Barcelona in the first El Clásico of the season.

It is a meeting of the two giants of Spanish soccer but the game’s appeal now transcends nationality. Fans around the world will be gleefully following along, waiting to see which team will take the momentum in a finely-poised LaLiga title race.

Our friends at MeriStation have used the latest title in the EA Sports FC 26 series to simulate the game. The result? Let’s have a look...

El Clásico prediction: Real Madrid to beat Barcelona

In the game played on the Meristation console, there was a decisive winner. Real Madrid ran out 3-1 winners with a double from Kylian Mbappé and one goal from Arda Güler, who scored the third. At one point Barcelona drew level with a goal from Lamine Yamal but it wasn’t enough in the home of their greatest rival.

If we take the raw stats from EA Sports FC 26 as a guide, we can see which areas are strengths for each team. These scores take into account current ‘form’ and give a preview of the duels to watch out for on Sunday.

Real Madrid comes into the match with an advantage towards the top of the field. Their stats speak for themselves, with 89 in attack, 87 in midfield and 83 in defense.

Barcelona, on the other hand, currently ranks 84 in attack, 85 in midfield and 82 in defense. Here’s a full look at how the team starting XIs compare, according to FC 26.

Of course, the real test will come at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium this weekend. Barcelona come into the game two points behind Los Blancos in the league, but full of confidence after a 6-1 midweek victory over Olympiacos. It’s all to play for on Sunday.