The El Clasico is one of the most anticipated and watched matches in the world of football. It will be upon us this Sunday as La Liga leaders Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Spotify Nou Camp.
Barcelona are currently nine points clear of Real Madrid placed second in the table standings, and a win over their arch-rivals will extend their lead to 12 . A loss though will cut this to just six points with 12 matches to go.
The Bluagrana have been in phenomenal form in La Liga this season as they have won 21 matches out of 25, suffering only two defeats and drawing twice. One of the defeats was against tomorrow’s opponents endured in October last year.
The Los Blancos La Liga form has been intermittent this season and a string of losses (three) and draws (five) have them playing catch-up with their Sunday opponents, but this match holds traditional weight that a win for either team grants the side bragging rights for the whole season.
Xavi’s side come into this fixture on the back of four wins in their last five matches while Carlo Ancelotti’s team have three wins in as many matches. Barcelona have been terrific at their backyard this season as they have collected 32 points from the possible 36, but Madrid will hope to rely on their superior head-to-head-which reads 5 wins in the last six El Clasicos in La Liga- to overcome the Catalan giants.
Xavi will be in charge against Real Madrid for the first time at the Spotify Camp Nou. He will hope to guide his boys to a first home La Liga victory against Los Blancos since 2018.
Team news
Ousmane Dembele will miss this match due to a hamstring injury, but Pedri is expected to return after missing six matches in all competitions. Ronald Araujo is also available for selection after missing the 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last weekend through suspension.
For Real Madrid, David Alaba is the only player still on the doctors’ list. Everyone else is available for selection, including captain Karim Benzema who was forced off in the Champions League clash against Liverpool in midweek.
