Battle of the numbers: Barcelona chase LaLiga history as Real Madrid seek Mourinho magic in El Clásico

Few rivalries in world football come close to matching the tension, theatre and sheer quality that El Clásico delivers.

With José Mourinho back in the equation, this season's meetings between Real Madrid and Barcelona have become unmissable footballing occasions.

The first big showdown of the campaign takes place at Camp Nou on Sunday, 25 October. It is a pivotal moment not only for Barcelona, who have started the season 9 from 9 and taken early control at the top of LaLiga, but also for the visitors. Real Madrid, who have fallen behind after defeats to Real Betis and Atlético Madrid, go into the game 6 points adrift of their arch-rivals.

So who will come out on top in this clash at the summit? Which stars will take centre stage? Here are the key numbers ahead of the big match:

Form and head-to-head

Given Barcelona's blistering start to the season, it is no surprise that they are favourites on home soil. Even so, a Real Madrid win on Sunday would cut the gap to 3 points.

Barcelona have won their last two LaLiga home games against Real Madrid: the 2-0 victory that sealed the title last May, and a memorable 4-3 triumph the year before. Only once in the 21st century have the Catalans won three consecutive home league games against their arch-rivals, under Pep Guardiola (between 2008 and 2010).

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have won three of their last six league visits to Camp Nou (3 defeats). That equals their total number of wins from their previous 16 league trips there (3 wins, 6 draws, 7 defeats).

Barcelona chasing a historic 10 out of 10

In the Real Madrid camp, Sunday's game is seen as one they simply cannot afford to lose if they are to stay in the title race. For Flick's side, however, it is a huge opportunity to open up an early gap on their arch-rivals.

Indeed, the last time Real Madrid were at least this far behind the league leaders at this stage of the season was in 2012-13. Back then, also under Mourinho, Los Blancos were 8 points behind after 9 matchdays and went on to finish the season second, 15 points behind their rivals.

Barcelona, who clinched the title with an El Clásico victory just five months ago, could make history against their arch-rivals this weekend. Already only the second team in LaLiga history to open a season with 9 wins, after Real Madrid in 1968-69, Barça would become the first team in the league's history to win their first 10 games if they triumph. A Catalan side that has thrilled audiences under Flick also looks well placed to crown that achievement with its attacking output.