travel from madrid to barcelona

How to Travel from Madrid to Barcelona by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Visitors to Spain often start in Madrid, the culturally rich and artistically-inclined capital, before heading off to Barcelona, with its Mediterranean beaches and distinctive architecture. Both cities are unique and offer very different views of Spanish life, and each one of them is worth at least a few days of your time. Thankfully, getting between the two cities—which are about 380 miles apart—couldn't be easier.

The high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona gets you from one city center to the other in two and a half hours, and the low-cost train makes it affordable as well. But flights are even quicker—not including travel to and from the airport and checking in—and can often be cheaper than the train. The bus is the cheapest option, but it takes around eight hours, significantly longer than renting a car and driving yourself.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Madrid to Barcelona?

When it's the middle of summer vacation, everyone is traveling, and trains and flights are completely booked or priced very high, then the bus is your best option for getting to Barcelona. The major Spanish bus company Alsa offers various routes per day from Avenida de America bus station in Madrid to Barcelona-Sants or Barcelona Nord stations. It's a long ride, almost eight hours and possibly more with traffic, but there are several nighttime routes so you don't have to lose out on an entire day of your trip sitting on the bus.

Alsa bus tickets start at $11 when you buy them early, but—just like trains and flights—they get more expensive the longer you wait, with same-day tickets costing up to $50 for a one-way ride.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Madrid to Barcelona?

Even though a flight is technically shorter than the train ride, the total travel time is reduced significantly by taking the train, which shuttles passengers directly from city center to city center.

Spain's national railway system, Renfe, provides two types of high-speed trains between Madrid and Barcelona: the standard AVE train and the low-cost Avlo. Both trains whisk passengers from Atocha Station in Madrid to Barcelona-Sants Station in as little as two and a half hours, the only difference being the amenities offered and the price.

The Avlo train limits passengers to one carry-on sized bag, similar to a budget airline, and doesn't offer seat selection or a cafeteria car like the standard AVE train does. AVE tickets start at $35 if you buy them far in advance, but get more and more expensive as your trip gets closer, sometimes costing up to $150. Avlo, on the other hand, starts at about $12 when you buy your tickets early and gets you to Barcelona just as quickly, with prices maxing out at about $55.

If you plan ahead and buy tickets early, the train is the best deal for getting between cities. But if you're planning last minute, Avlo tickets are likely to sell out and the AVE may have jumped considerably in price.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

If you value being able to travel on your own time and want to make your own itinerary, renting a car in Spain isn't difficult and could be the best option. If you're traveling with a group and can split the costs of the rental, gas, and tolls, it may be even cheaper than each of you buying your own individual transportation tickets. However, most cars in Spain use manual transmissions, so expect to pay more for an automatic if that's all you can drive.

The quickest and most direct route is to take the A-2 highway all the way from Madrid to Barcelona. This a toll highway and the total cost for the trip comes out to about 40 euros, or roughly $50.

Don't forget, the freedom of having your own car is also tempered with the hassle of having to park it. Vehicles are great for day trips and traveling between cities, but once you're in Madrid or Barcelona, you're dealing with metropolitan traffic and difficult-to-find parking. Street parking is hard to come by in the city center, so expect to pay a premium to keep your car in a lot.

How Long Is the Flight?

If the airports were as centrally located as the train stations, flying would hands-down be the best method for travel from Madrid to Barcelona. Flights are generally pretty cheap with several options per day, and you're barely in the air long enough to finish an episode of your favorite show before you've touched down at Barcelona El Prat Airport . However, it takes at least 30 minutes to reach Madrid's airport via public transportation and then another 30 minutes to reach Barcelona's city center. Factor in all of that time plus airport check-in, security, and waiting at your gate, and the total travel time is now significantly longer than taking the train.

Even though the train is more comfortable and convenient than flying, it can also be more expensive, especially if your travel dates are near. Last-minute plane tickets can still be relatively cheap, especially when traveling in low tourist season. Always compare your flights with train tickets; the difference in price may shock you.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Barcelona?

For the best deals on train tickets and flights, try to travel midweek outside of the major holiday periods, such as summer vacation, Christmas break, and the week leading up to Easter. These popular travel periods are by far the most popular time to book transportation, and the prices will reflect that.

Spring or fall are considered the shoulder season and some of the best times to visit Barcelona . The weather is pleasant and, if you plan ahead, train tickets and flights are very affordable. July and August are hot and nice for visiting the beach, but summer crowds can feel overwhelming in this popular tourist destination.

What’s the Most Scenic Route to Barcelona?

The biggest advantage of taking a car is being able to stop and explore in any of the towns between Madrid and Barcelona, or going on day trips once you arrive. Along the route, make time for a quick stop in Zaragoza, a city known for its local gastronomy, Moorish architecture, and scenic river views. After arriving in Barcelona, take advantage of having a vehicle by visiting nearby sites like the mountains of Montserrat or the cute beach town of Sitges .

If you don't mind adding a little time to the trip, you can skip the A-2 highway and drive east toward the city of Valencia, then working your way north toward Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast. It takes about an hour longer than the direct route, but the views are worth the detour.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

Barcelona El Prat Airport is easily connected to the city center via train. There are two options you can use: the metro or the Rodalies commuter train . The metro has more transfer options but takes longer, while the Rodalies is ideal for a quick journey to the central Barcelona-Sants station. If your final destination is near the popular Plaça de Catalunya, the Aerobus provides direct transit.

To take a taxi the city center, the journey from the airport to the city center is only about 15 minutes without traffic with prices around 25 euros, or a little over $30. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber are not available in Barcelona.

What Is There to Do in Barcelona?

The moment you arrive in Barcelona, it's obvious why this Mediterranean paradise is one of Europe's most popular cities to visit . It offers a little of everything: mild weather year-round, spectacular beaches, cultural treasures, excellent cuisine, and wild nightlife. The Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí left his mark on the city, and his buildings are some of Barcelona's most noteworthy attractions, from the quirky Park Güell to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia Cathedral. After visiting those, walk down La Rambla, the city's central pedestrian street, and continue on to explore Barcelona's diverse neighborhoods on foot. While not necessary, it's recommended to stop often for tapas and drinks—Spanish sparkling wine, or cava , is produced locally and is a good place to start.

Tickets for the AVE train start at $35 if you buy them far in advance, but get more and more expensive as your trip gets closer, sometimes costing up to $150. The lower-cost Avlo starts at about $12 when you buy your tickets early and gets you to Barcelona just as quickly, with prices maxing out at about $55.

Barcelona is about 380 miles from Madrid.

Both the AVE and the lower-cost Avlo whisk passengers from Atocha Station in Madrid to Barcelona-Sants Station in as little as two and a half hours.

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Find train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona

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• 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona for $60 or less.
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FAQs when traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by train

How long is a train journey to barcelona-el prat airport from madrid.

The train journey from Madrid to Barcelona-El Prat Airport takes 2h 38m on average and covers a distance of 314 miles.

What train companies travel from Madrid to Barcelona-El Prat Airport?

There are different train companies operating between Madrid and Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Renfe and SNCF are the most booked train companies.

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The Best Ways to Travel From Madrid to Barcelona in 2024

The artistically inclined city of Madrid might be a good place to start off your vacation in Spain. But, why not hop to the modern yet traditional city of Barcelona while you have the chance? With beaches, amazing architecture, and culture awaiting you, there’s no reason not to. 

After you’ve seen the best landmarks in Madrid, like the Prado Museum, Toledo district, and the trail south of the Plaza Mayor, extend your tour to Barcelona to experience more of Spain. Barcelona is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is waiting to welcome its visitors with incredible views, bike tours, and tapas. But getting affordable and hassle-free travel options can be tricky. 

To make the trip from Madrid to Barcelona a little less stressful, we’ve compiled the best ways to travel. 

Getting from Madrid to Barcelona by train

With many options making it simple to travel from Madrid to Barcelona, it’s easy to see why these two cities are popular options for tourists. But the train services seem to be a fan favorite. 

Why you should hop on a train to Barcelona

A train ride from Madrid is the easiest way to travel to Barcelona. The journey takes less than 3 hours from the Atocha Train Station in Madrid to the Sants Train Station in Barcelona with either the standard high-speed AVE train or the high-speed low-cost Avlo.

When you arrive at the Sants station in Barcelona, you are met with many different facilities and shops that will make the journey a lot more fun. Buy a book or have some lunch before you go on the next leg of your journey. 

When you’re ready to depart from the station, simply head over to one of the many rental car services stands – or phone a taxi.

High-Speed Trains Madrid to Barcelona (AVE)

Travel in style with the AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanol) high-speed train. It is the simplest way to travel the distance from Madrid to Barcelona. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. 

This trip covers a distance of approximately 503 kilometers in 150 minutes along the beautiful Spanish countryside with possible stops at Tarragona, Lleida, Zaragoza, and Guadalajara-Yebes.

Marked as the most important route, the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona runs more than once every hour, so catching a ride will be easy. However, there are no running trains between 23:00 and 6:00 but you can view connections at any time on Eurorail. 

Facilities and services on the train may differ per train and route. But they include audio systems, bars, child supervision, and more, making it a worthwhile travel experience. 

The prices on the AVE high-speed train vary depending on season and time booked, and range between ~31 Euro ($37 USD) and ~88 Euro ($105 USD). Make sure to book beforehand to receive the best possible price. Bookings for the AVE high-speed train are open up to 4 months in advance because tickets are very sought after. 

Be sure to arrive early at the station to go through baggage check and enjoy some of the best local coffee spots before you hop on the train to Barcelona. 

High-Speed Trains from Madrid to Barcelona (Avlo)Similar to the AVE, this train will whisk you away to Barcelona in under 3 hours with only differences in amenities. The Avlo limits passengers to only one carry-on bag and doesn’t offer facilities such as a cafeteria. And unlike the AVE, seating options may be limited. 

Tickets start at ~10 Euro ($12 USD) when booked in advance but can increase in price up to ~46 Euro ($55 USD) on late bookings.

Fly from Madrid to Barcelona

Flying from Madrid to Barcelona is another popular option among tourists. If you are in a time crunch or couldn’t book tickets in advance, flying might be the perfect option for you. 

Puente Aereo

The Air Bridge is one of the most popular options for air travel from Madrid to Barcelona. There are a number of low-cost airlines that fly between Madrid and Barcelona frequently. 

The prices on flights from Madrid to Barcelona are not at a set rate and should be checked out before the desired travel date. The range between ~30 Euro ($36 USD) and ~100 Euro ($119 USD) year-round. Flights only take around 50 minutes from Madrid to Barcelona making it the fastest way to travel to Barcelona El Prat Airport.

Once you have arrived in Barcelona, there is only a short 25-minute ride to the city center with either the underground metro, a bus, the commuter train networks, or private transport. You will find yourself in the heart of Barcelona in no time experiencing the best local cuisine and sightseeing spots . But, considering check-in, baggage checks, and security, flying might take considerably longer than a train ride. 

For last-minute travel bookings, flying will be the best option. Compared to the AVE high-speed train, flying will be a cheaper option when booking last minute tickets, especially in the off-season. Before purchasing a last-minute ticket, be sure to compare the prices between train and flight options. 

Bus services from Madrid to Barcelona

When all other options seem to be unavailable, like during a peak in the tourist season, taking the bus to Barcelona might be the best option. 

Alsa Bus Services

A bus ride from Madrid to Barcelona is inarguably the slowest method of transportation. A journey can take up to 8 hours or even longer with traffic. The transportation company, Alsa, offers multiple routes from Madrid to Barcelona every day, including a nighttime route, so getting a spot is quite easy.

Tickets usually start at ~9 Euro ($11 USD) when purchased in advance, but do increase in price closer to the departure date – not unlike the flight and train tickets. A same-day ticket can skyrocket to ~42 Euro ($50 USD) for a one-way trip to Barcelona, therefore booking tickets well in advance is essential to a budget-friendly trip. 

Drive from Madrid to Barcelona 

If you are more adventurous and interested in a small road trip in the countryside of Spain, driving to Barcelona might be a fun option. 

Rent a car 

Renting a car to travel from Madrid to Barcelona is quite simple and budget-friendly. Rentals can go for as low as ~4 Euro ($5 USD) per day for a small sedan and up to ~25 Euro ($30 USD) for a 5 person vehicle. However, Europe is known for having manual gearboxes, so you might be expected to pay an increased fee if you need an automatic vehicle.

Tip:  Book your car rental online to save yourself the hassle of waiting in long lines.

Rental cars can easily be picked up in Madrid city centre or at the airport from vendors like Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Budget, Hertz and many more. But make sure to have a chip and pin credit card ready for the tolls along the way. 

The trip will take about six hours but can easily be extended to a few days. Consider stopping for lunch in Zaragoza and experiencing the city’s most famous roasted lamb dish called ternasco, or drive along the coast and stop for a Valencia bike tour before you head further north towards Barcelona. 

A car rental agency will be the best option when traveling in a group. The cost of splitting gas, toll fees, and rental fees will often be cheaper than purchasing individual travel tickets. But a downside to having the freedom of a rental car is that parking in the city centre is hard to come by. It may be wise to budget for a parking spot when considering a car rental. 

Arriving in Barcelona (costs & transport)

Now that you’ve arrived in Barcelona, the city awaits you. But what transport option do you have within the city itself? 

With so many tourist hotspots and endless excursions, Barcelona’s transportation systems are tailored to take you to any point within the city. Making sure you don’t miss a single opportunity to explore that wonderful area. From wild nightlife to exotic beaches, you will want to explore as much as possible, but at what cost?

The Barcelona Card

If you’re planning on visiting the city for a number of days, the Barcelona Card will save you a lot of money on attractions and transportation. Starting at only ~17 Euro ($20 USD) the card will offer you free public transportation and free entrance to most museums and galleries within the city making hopping around the city very simple. 

You will be able to hop between galleries and horseback riding destinations without breaking the bank with the easy to access discounts that you will receive along with the Barcelona Card. The pack includes a map of the city, a list of activities with discounts attached, and a list of free public transportation options. 

You can purchase the Barcelona Card well in advance to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck. 

Public Transportation in Barcelona

Seeing that Barcelona is such a big city, public transportation options are some of the best. They ensure that not only the locals but also the tourists have the best possible experience getting to and from their destinations easily. 

When the idea of renting a car to drive around the city seems like too much hassle, especially in the city center, public transport is the best option. The best public transportation options include the tram, local trains, bus services. 

Universal tickets such as Hola Barcelona offer unlimited journeys to and from any location within the city and start off at ~15 Euro ($18 USD) for a 2-day visit. But how do you choose between the different available passes?

Consider your hotel/hostel location

If your accommodation in Barcelona is based centrally, the likelihood of needing public transport lowers. You might not need anything more than a single journey, which will be cheaper to buy on its own. Most tourist locations are centrally based, so it will be effortless to reach most destinations by foot. 

Attractions you’d love to visit in Barcelona

If you are keen on visiting museums and other cultural spaces, the Barcelona Card will benefit you best. Other than offering a large amount of free public transportation journeys, you will also receive free entrance to most galleries and museums. 

Number of Barcelona attractions you’d like to see per day

If you are planning an extensive trip through Barcelona and the surrounding area, you might need more than 4 or 5 public transport trips a day. The T-10 pass will allow you to have up to 10 journeys on public transport and the card can be shared with others. 

All of these passes can be purchased leading up to your visit to Barcelona and can be picked up at the airport, train stations, and other spots throughout the city upon arriving. 

Final thoughts on traveling from Madrid to Barcelona

Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona has never been easier. There’s a large number of options available to fit any budget and timeframe making it a no-brainer. 

Being able to see the artistic and cultural mecca of Madrid and moving on to the coastal and cultural experience of Barcelona is a once-in-a-lifetime journey you have to take when in Spain. 

But the experience can be costly if not planned correctly due to the fact that both cities are hot tourist destinations. Make sure to book and purchase all tickets and passes well in advance, so that you can travel fast and cost-effectively.

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Spain's two biggest cities, Madrid and Barcelona, are well-connected by train, allowing visitors to travel between them with great ease. Let us tell you what your options are and how you can have a pleasant journey between two of Spain's - and Europe's - most iconic cities.

Video train route Madrid - Barcelona

Train options for Madrid to Barcelona

Traveling by high-speed train

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona is by taking the AVE high-speed train . This modern and luxurious train will get you to your destination in just under 3 hours. For actual travel times, check out our timetable . If you're traveling with a Eurail Pass you don't need to buy a ticket and only pay a small reservation fee. We recommend you book your seats as far in advance as possible.

Traveling by regional train

Taking a regional train from Madrid to Barcelona means more travel time than by high-speed train. It also means you don't have to reserve a seat and you can stop along the way in charming Spanish cities like Zaragoza and Tarragona. If you have a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket. You can travel on this train for free and get on and off whenever you like.

Eurail Passes

The Eurail Pass is a train pass that lets you travel on nearly every train in Europe. It comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one that best fits your vacation plans. Check out our Eurail Passes .

If you're only looking to travel in Spain, the Eurail Spain Pass might be just the thing for you. Otherwise you can choose another pass and make this journey part of a larger, exciting European adventure!

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3 ways to get from Madrid to Barcelona

See the best of spain by plane, train, and car..

The trip from Madrid , Spain’s artistic and culturally rich capital, to Barcelona , the Catalan capital known for its beautiful architecture and equally impressive Mediterranean beaches, is 380 miles. With some savvy planning, you can make the most of your travels between the two famous hubs. Whether you decide to take a direct flight, a high-speed train, or a scenic drive to the Spanish coast, you’ll undoubtedly find pleasure in both the journey and the destination. Ahead, the details you need to plot your trip, plus trip times, costs, and the very best stops along the way, should you decide to drive.

Madrid to Barcelona by train

The fastest and most convenient travel option, the train between Madrid and Barcelona takes between two-and-a-half to three-and-a-quarter hours, with trains leaving Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station , located in the city center, and arriving at the Barcelona-Sants station every hour.

Spain's national railway system, Renfe, offers two types of high-speed trains between Madrid and Barcelona: the standard AVE train and the low-cost Avlo, with the only differences between the two being the amenities offered and the price. AVE tickets can be found for as low as $35 when purchased in advance but can jump to $150 closer to your travel date. Depending on your class of ticket, amenities can include an onboard media center, Wi-Fi, and even a playground for children. More affordable Avlo tickets start at about $12 and max out at about $55, but the Avlo train limits passengers to one carry-on sized bag and doesn't offer seat selection or a cafeteria car. Because of their affordability, Avlo tickets often sell out, so plan ahead.

For the best deals on train tickets, travel midweek and outside popular travel periods like summer vacation, the week before Easter, and major holidays. If possible, travel during the spring or fall shoulder seasons, when the weather is good, travel is less expensive, and crowds are limited. During the summer months, an overwhelming number of beachgoers and tourists head to Barcelona, and ticket prices reflect the demand.

Madrid to Barcelona by car

Renting a car in Spain isn't difficult, but most cars in Spain use manual transmissions, so expect to pay more to rent an automatic. Also, you’ll need an IDP, or International Driving Permit, which allows you to drive a car legally in 174 countries, including Spain, as long as you also carry a valid U.S. driver’s license.

With car and license in tow, you’re ready for your trip on the A-2 highway, the quickest and most direct route from Madrid to Barcelona, clocking in at around six hours. Prepare yourself for tolls, which add about $50 to the trip cost.

To make a fun trip out of the A-2 trek, here are our suggestions. Make the first stop on your journey halfway through in Zaragoza , the capital of northeastern Spain's Aragon region. Visit the baroque Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar , a famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes overlooking the Ebro River, along with Mudéjar-style landmarks including the Palacio de la Aljafería , an 11th-century Moorish palace. Then indulge in some celebrated Spanish cuisine at one of the city’s 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, including Restaurante Cancook and La Prensa .

Before you make your way to Barcelona, detour an hour south to Salou , a resort town along the northeastern Costa Daurada in the Tarragona province. Salou’s beaches range from small rocky coves to populated main strips like Llevant and Ponent . Don’t miss the Coastal Path, a three-mile paved walkway offering amazing views of the beaches, shoreline, and ocean.

Finally, make your way into Barcelona, a city jam-packed with architectural and culinary delights, from the works of Antoni Gaudí, including the famous landmark Basilica of the Sagrada Familia , to the Catalonian cuisine at tapas bars and the beloved Mercat de la Boqueria food market . Note that traffic and difficult parking are also city staples, so consider ditching the car rental once you arrive in Barcelona.

Madrid to Barcelona by plane

Flights between Madrid and Barcelona are quick and inexpensive, with Vueling, Air Europa, and Iberia offering direct service between the two cities. Flights take about 65 to 90 minutes and are often cheaper than train tickets. During the off-season (approximately November to March), you can regularly find one-way flights for as low as $25.

However, it takes at least 30 minutes to reach Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport from the city and another 20 to 40 minutes to reach Barcelona's city center from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport . Factor in those commute times, plus airport check-in, security, and waiting at your gate, and the total travel time can jump to more than four hours.

Once you arrive in Barcelona, the trip to the city is fairly easy. For around $6, the Aerobus picks up passengers from both airport terminals and drops them in the city center about 35 minutes later, while the Renfe train is even cheaper (less than $5) and takes about 25 minutes to make the journey from Terminal 2 to the central Barcelona-Sants station . Alternatively, a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is about 20-30 minutes and costs around $30-$35. Ride-sharing apps, including Uber and Cabify, are also available.

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Cheap flights from Madrid to Barcelona

Good to know, when is the cheapest time to fly, popular airports near madrid.

• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) Madrid 39 min 14 km
• Valencia Airport (VLC) Valencia 3 hr 49 min 293 km
• Valladolid Airport (VLL) Valladolid 2 hr 19 min 172 km
• Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) Zaragoza 3 hr 14 min 262 km

Popular airports near Barcelona

• Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Barcelona 21 min 12 km
• Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) Girona 1 hr 7 min 75 km
• Reus Airport (REU) Reus 1 hr 18 min 87 km
• Valencia Airport (VLC) Valencia 3 hr 38 min 307 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Madrid to Barcelona

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Where to watch El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel, odds, start time, what to know

Fresh of a champions league week where real madrid advanced and barcelona went hope it's two teams heading opposite ways.

Real Madrid can't officially win La Liga in Sunday's El Clasico against  Barcelona  on Sunday, but they can all but secure the title after Barca won it last season. Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League while Los Blancos bested Manchester City to advance to the last four of the tournament. If Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid emerge with a victory, there is a good chance that they'll win La Liga by double digits over Barcelona for the second time in the past three years, while if Barcelona wins, it doesn't particularly change anything.

That's the state of these two teams. It shows how far the rivalry has gone as this season will see Xavi Hernandez depart Barcelona at the end of the season, the club likely not secure a trophy for the first time since 2019-20, and plenty of holes in the roster to fill but with limited funds to fill them. Meanwhile in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has seen his contract extended, they're closing in on another La Liga title and could also be adding Kylian Mbappe during the summer.

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With the ability to pursue almost any player that they'd like not only has this period seen the gap widen between Barcelona and Real Madrid but the stage is set for it to only get wider. Clasico's are supposed to be affairs full of drama, a time where the fate of the league hangs in the balance, but this one doesn't have any of that. If Barcelona can't figure out their managerial situation for next season and see more improvement from their young players, there will be a mountain to climb.

How to watch and odds

• Date : Sunday, April 21 |  Time : 3 p.m. ET
• Location : Estadio Santiago Bernabeu -- Madrid, Spain
• TV:  None  |  Live stream:  ESPN+
• Odds:  Real Madrid - 120; Draw +220; Barcelona +300
• Live updates:  El Clasico

Mbappe knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League was already a poetic moment, full of foreshadowing of what could be coming if he denies Barcelona more silverware with Madrid. The gap between the two clubs hasn't been this drastic since the early 2000's and for fans around the world, hopefully, it isn't this wide for much longer. Things are better with stakes in a Clasico which is a beautiful rivalry showcasing the best of what world soccer has to offer. Gone are the days of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo squaring off as giants of the soccer world but to move things forward, Barcelona needs to figure out who their next era will be built around. 

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• What to expect in El Clasico
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• Preview: El Clasico

With Vinicius Junior , Jude Bellingham , Rodrygo , and Endrick on the way, Madrid are poised for success even without Mbappe while Barcelona's future is much bleaker. Their hopes are on the shoulders of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal who while he seems like a generational talent at his current age, what if things don't pan out? Not being able to spend money means a stronger reliance on the academy and that can produce inconsistent results growing the gap between the clubs. This Clasico showcases just how important the upcoming summer is for the balance of La Liga moving forward.

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Real Madrid

• Vinícius Júnior ( 18' Pen )
• Lucas Vázquez ( 73' )
• Jude Bellingham ( 90'+1' )
• Andreas Christensen ( 6' )
• Fermín López ( 69' )

Bellingham hands Real Madrid comeback win over Barcelona

Laporta: barcelona suspect var error, will request real madrid replay.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta complains about the VAR decisions in his team's El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid.

LaLiga leaders Real Madrid 's pursuit of a record-extending 36th Spanish title gathered momentum after Jude Bellingham scored a goal in added time to secure a 3-2 comeback win over defending champions  Barcelona on Sunday.

Madrid twice fought back from a goal down before Bellingham smashed in the winner at the far post from about six yards out to beat Barcelona for a fourth successive time. The result left second-placed Barca 11 points adrift of the leaders with six games left.

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"What a great night for being a Real Madrid fan, it's incredible," Luka Modric told Real Madrid TV. "It's a win that edges us closer to the title, it's what we want. It was a great game, we never stopped believing.

"We were behind twice but kept fighting, playing well, pressing and in the end we came back time and time again."

Barca took the lead in the sixth minute when Andreas Christensen headed in following a corner after Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin failed to clear the cross from his 6-yard box.

Vinicius Junior equalised 12 minutes later from the penalty spot after Lucas Vazquez was fouled inside the box.

Barcelona complained as the match was paused for several minutes as the VAR tried to determine whether a Lamine Yamal effort had crossed the goal line, but it couldn't find a clear camera angle and the decision not to award a goal stood.

LaLiga is the only major European league not to use goal-line technology.

Madrid dominated the second half but missed several chances and allowed substitute Fermin Lopez to give the visitors the lead again in the 69th minute from a rebound. The hosts hit back with a Vazquez volley four minutes later.

Carlo Ancelotti's side kept pushing for another goal and their perseverance paid off in added time, when Vazquez raced down the right channel and crossed to Bellingham, who blasted the winner into the roof of the net.

"He arrived at the right moment," Ancelotti said of the Bellingham goal. "He made a big effort, working hard, he scored with his last bit of energy. It had been a while that he hadn't scored. He scored the goal and let's hope it's fundamental in winning the league."

The Clasico came four days after Madrid eliminated Manchester City on penalties in England to advance to the Champions League semifinals. Barcelona had been eliminated a day earlier by Paris Saint-Germain after a loss at home, leaving the league as their only title opportunity for the season.

"We've done very well. We couldn't have done any better. I don't think many thought we could do it," Ancelotti said. "So far it's been a spectacular season with all the problems we've had, physical above all. So far we've done spectacularly. Did Barcelona win the game? We'll have to see, I think honestly a draw might have been fair, for us a draw wouldn't have been bad.

"When we made it 2-2, they tried to play with a lot of players up front so we had some straightforward transitions and that's how we made it 3-2. Barcelona went for it and they lost their balance."

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin , the hero for Madrid in the shootout against City, miscalculated a cross into the area on Barcelona's first goal and failed to fully clear a ball in front of the goal on the second.

It was another tough loss for Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who announced in February that he was stepping down at the end of a difficult season.

"It's hard to find words for it. It's an accumulation of many things. We have not been at the level of competitiveness that we should have been. And that cost us," Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong left the field on a stretcher late in the first half after hurting his right leg in a clash with Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde .

Game Information

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Barcelona must beat Real Madrid in Xavi’s last clásico to keep season alive

Having been knocked out of the Champions League, failure to win at the Bernabéu will end all hopes of a trophy

O n Tuesday, some Barcelona fans mistakenly threw stones and bottles at their own bus as it made its way into Montjuïc. The huge club badge and massive “Barça” written on the side were not enough of a clue. In fairness, they might not have seen that through the crowd and all the smoke. As for the metaphor, the self-inflicted damage, that was harder to miss.

By the end of the night, Barcelona were out of the Champions League , failing to reach the semi-final for a sixth successive season. Against Paris Saint-Germain they had competed, which genuinely was something, and Xavi Hernández was busy telling the referee, Istvan Kovacs, he had been a “disaster”.

But if the official got blamed for the result, ultimately Barcelona had conceded four goals. At least in part, the club that created a crisis so bad they forced out the greatest player they ever had and invented the palanca , selling assets to survive, had done it to themselves.

Xavi was sent off and so was the centre-back Ronald Araújo after only half an hour. PSG’s third goal came from the penalty spot after a challenge that João Cancelo, who committed the foul, admitted was “infantile”.

Xavi was furious about Araújo’s red, but the goalkeeper Marc André ter Stegen watched it during the post-game interview and had to admit that, yes, it was a sending off. Ilkay Gündogan went further, questioning the wisdom of making the challenge in the first place. Going a man down that early killed them, he said.

Defeated 4-1 by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final and 4-2 by Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarter-final and now out of Europe having conceded four more at home to PSG, Barcelona were left with only the league. And that too is on edge: on Sunday they travel to the Santiago Bernabéu, eight points behind their great rivals with seven games left. Lose and it is done, draw and it is done. Win and it is probably done, too. They are, as the Spanish line inspired by the Inquisition has it, clinging to a burning nail, desperately holding on.

The surprise perhaps is that there is a chance at all. In January, Xavi resigned after a 5-3 defeat against Villarreal, describing the role of coach as “cruel and unpleasant”, but insisted on continuing to the end of the season. It was a formula that the president, Joan Laporta, said he accepted only “because it’s Xavi”; it is also, unexpectedly, a formula that has worked. Since then, Barcelona are unbeaten in 10 games in the league, picking up 26 of the last 30 points. In Europe, they found a way past Napoli and won in Paris .

Xavi has repeatedly said that it was his decision to walk that changed everything, even if he has not explained exactly why. If that line appears in every press conference, so for the last few weeks has the question about him changing his mind and staying. President, vice-president and sporting director have all talked about convincing him to, not least because finding a replacement has not been easy. Besides, things were going well. Until Tuesday night, when Barcelona were beaten, that Barcelona again, and suddenly it all felt final again. Lose the clásico and it really will be.

The following night, Real Madrid did what Real Madrid do, the contrast cruel in beating Manchester City in a penalty shootout : if there is a vulnerability about Barcelona, there’s an almost inexplicable invincibility to their rivals. Somehow, they always overcome, as if the problems that sink others barely touch them, a survival instinct no one else has, a capacity to resist; they are the T-1000 hanging on your back bumper. Holding on to that burning nail seems to come more naturally to them.

They have been without Thibaut Courtois all season, without Éder Militão too. David Alaba suffered a ligament tear. Karim Benzema departed, a year ahead of schedule. Jude Bellingham wears heavy strapping on his shoulder, Vinícius Júnior tore a thigh.

Against City, they faced 38 shots and somehow prevailed. There, Andriy Lunin, the back-up goalkeeper they were sufficiently unsure of to make the emergency signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, made two saves and Lucas Vázquez, Nacho Fernández and Antonio Rüdiger scored their penalties. None of them were expected to be starters this season. Who starts on Sunday is another matter: this is a tired team, Carlo Ancelotti admits, though it refuses to crack. In the last clásico , they were outplayed for an hour or so, and then Bellingham appeared out of nowhere.

If their issues are physical, Barcelona’s are more emotional. This is a clásico conditioned by Europe – not least because of an awareness that midweek mattered more, the league meeting arriving late on the agenda – and by the fallout from it. Cancelo told ESPN that he had received threats after his foul in midweek, that he had been unable to sleep. After Gündogan’s comments it was hard to avoid the feeling that faultlines had opened, just as Madrid appear steeled by it all.

Gündogan had spoken out after the first clásico this season, expressing his disappointment that the 2-1 defeat to Madrid had not hurt more. “I would like more anger in the dressing room,” he insisted. This time, he suggested that Araújo would have been better letting Bradley Barcola go. His wife got involved, insisting that her husband’s attitude is that of a “treble winner”. Araújo said he preferred not to respond publicly but in effect did so when he justified it with the existence of “dressing room values and codes” he would not break.

Suddenly, it was everywhere, overshadowing everything. “It’s more of a noise outside than inside; Gündogan wasn’t trying to single anyone out,” the captain, Sergi Roberto, insisted. “He didn’t mean any harm and Araújo has seen that: we have spoken about it and the case is close,” Jules Koundé said. “We have to turn the page, make sure that the anger, frustration and impotence of the other day is used in a favour; in front of us is a strong Real Madrid , given a morale boost by the week that’s just gone,” Xavi said, while Gündogan insisted they had “looked each other in the eye”. The damage, though, was done.

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Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Spanish La Liga.

8:00pm, Sunday 21st April 2024.

Santiago Bernabeu Attendance: Attendance 77,981.

Real Madrid 3

• Vinicius Júnior ( 18' 18th minute pen)
• L Vazquez ( 73' 73rd minute )
• J Bellingham ( 90+1' 91st minute )

Barcelona 2

• A Christensen ( 6' 6th minute )
• F López ( 69' 69th minute )
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• Goal scored 73' 73rd minute
• Assist 90+1' 91st minute
• Yellow card 33' 33rd minute
• Subbed off 71' 71st minute
• Yellow card 83' 83rd minute
• Goal scored 90+1' 91st minute
• Subbed off 74' 74th minute
• Penalty scored 18' 18th minute pen
• Assist 73' 73rd minute
• Yellow card 75' 75th minute
• Subbed off 82' 82nd minute

Substitutes

• Subbed on 74' 74th minute
• Subbed on 82' 82nd minute
• Subbed on 71' 71st minute

• Yellow card 90' 90th minute
• Goal scored 6' 6th minute
• Subbed off 45' 45th minute
• Subbed off 45+7' 52nd minute
• Subbed off 64' 64th minute
• Assist 6' 6th minute
• Subbed on 64' 64th minute
• Subbed on 45+7' 52nd minute
• Subbed on 45' 45th minute
• Goal scored 69' 69th minute

Match Officials

• Goal scored Goal scored
• Own goal Own goal
• Assist Assist
• Penalty missed Penalty missed
• Yellow card Yellow card
• Red card Red card
• Subbed on Subbed on
• Subbed off Subbed off