LIVE INFO
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Real Madrid: possible starting lineup: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Barcelona: possible starting lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Match Preview
The upcoming El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu promises to be one of the most pivotal matches of the season. Both teams are in excellent form, with Barcelona currently sitting at the top of La Liga, three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. A win for Madrid would see them draw level with their arch-rivals, while a Barcelona victory would extend their lead at the summit to six points.
Real Madrid's Situation
Real Madrid, despite some struggles in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, remain unbeaten in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has won seven and drawn three of their 10 matches, placing them just behind Barcelona. They will be buoyed by their recent success in the fixture, having beaten Barcelona in their last four meetings, including a league double last season. Vinicius Junior's recent form, particularly his hat trick against Borussia Dortmund, has been key, though integrating Kylian Mbappé into the lineup has been challenging. With Jude Bellingham’s contribution slightly reduced compared to last season, this game is crucial for Madrid to find their top gear.
Injuries to key players like Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, who are sidelined for a few weeks, have forced tactical adjustments. Andriy Lunin will replace Courtois in goal, while Bellingham is expected to play behind a front two of Vinicius and Mbappé.
Barcelona's Form
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, have been remarkable this season. With nine wins from 10 matches, the Catalan side leads the league with 33 goals, averaging over three goals per game. Barcelona’s confidence is further boosted by their recent 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with Raphinha grabbing a hat trick. Despite significant injuries, including absences from Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, and Andreas Christensen, Barcelona’s squad depth has allowed them to maintain their excellent form.
Flick has managed to bring key players like Frenkie de Jong and Gavi back to fitness, though they might not start in this high-stakes match. The partnership between Pedri and Marc Casado in midfield has flourished, while Robert Lewandowski continues to dominate the attack with 15 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Key Factors
Real Madrid’s home form: Madrid has not lost to Barcelona at the Bernabéu in La Liga since March 2022. Their ability to rise for big games, especially against their fiercest rivals, will be tested once again.
Barcelona’s firepower:With Lewandowski in sensational form and Raphinha coming off a hat trick, Barcelona’s attack will look to exploit Madrid’s defensive absences.
Midfield battles: With injuries on both sides, the midfield will play a critical role. Real Madrid’s Bellingham and Barcelona’s Pedri will need to control the tempo for their respective teams.
Both teams have much to play for in this highly anticipated clash, with Real Madrid aiming to pull level at the top and Barcelona hoping to extend their lead at the summit.