Context:

Barcelona faces Real Madrid in a critical La Liga match following their narrow loss to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Barcelona, currently leading the La Liga table, will aim to consolidate their position despite recent setbacks, including injuries to key players like Jules Kounde. Real Madrid, trailing by four points and having lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, also faces injury challenges, particularly in defense with several key players unavailable. The match, scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, presents streaming options via Fubo and ESPN+, allowing fans to watch the game live. This clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys will be pivotal in determining the La Liga title contenders, with both teams eager to secure victory despite their roster challenges.

Dive Deeper:

• Barcelona enters the La Liga match against Real Madrid with the intention to rebound from a 3-4 UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan, which included a dramatic last-minute goal by Davide Frattesi. Despite the setback, Barcelona remains at the top of the La Liga standings, focusing on maintaining their lead.

• Real Madrid, second in the league and trailing Barcelona by four points, is also recovering from a recent loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, adding pressure to perform well in the upcoming match to stay in contention for the title.

• Barcelona faces several injury concerns, notably with the absence of Jules Kounde, affecting their defensive lineup. However, positive news includes the potential return of Alex Balde to the starting lineup, addressing issues on the left flank.

• Real Madrid's defensive line is severely impacted by injuries to Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao, compelling them to adjust their lineup with younger or out-of-position players, such as Aurelien Tchouameni moving to defense.

• The match will be broadcast live in the United States on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with streaming options available through Fubo and ESPN+. Fubo offers a free trial for new users, providing access to a broad range of live sports channels.

• The game will be held at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, kicking off at 4:15 p.m. local time, with varying kickoff times across U.S. time zones, making it accessible to a wide audience despite geographic differences.

• Both teams' predicted lineups reflect the impact of injuries, with Barcelona possibly seeing Robert Lewandowski shift back into the starting lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Real Madrid may rely on emerging players like Arda Guler, who impressed in recent performances.

• Wounded Barcelona will aim to recover from their disappointing UEFA Champions League semi-final loss when they face their archrivals Real Madrid for the final time in the La Liga clash on Sunday.

• Barcelona are heading into this match with a heartbreaking 3-4 loss to Inter in the second leg semi-final of the UEFA Champions League after drawing the first tie 3-3. They were almost through to the finals, but a last-moment goal from Davide Frattesi sealed the match for Inter. Currently at the top of the table, Hansi Flick's side will shift their focus to La Liga competition and aim for the crown. 

• On the other side, Real Madrid are just four points behind the hosts. They are coming off a 3-2 close victory over Celta Vigo last time out. Los Blancos are at the second spot, and they will aim to go neck-to-neck in this clash after losing the Copa del Rey final to their archrivals last month.

• STREAM: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid LIVE in US on Fubo (free trial)