Barcelona vs Real Madrid preview
Just a fortnight after their previous clash, Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready for yet another El Clasico in La Liga. This is the third between the two teams this season, with both teams having a win to their name in the current season. While Real Madrid in the La Liga clash held in October, Barcelona won the first leg of the Copa De Rey just two weeks back.
With Barcelona currently amassing a nine-point lead at the top of the league table, it is perhaps the last chance for Real Madrid to make the title race enjoyable. However, doing so against the home crowd of Barcelona will be a massive task in itself.
The two teams have experienced contrasting forms in the league and the European competitions. While Barcelona have been nearly flawless in the league, they crashed out of the Champions League group stage and were knocked out of the Europa League too by Manchester United.
On the other hand, Real Madrid have fared poorly in the lead but always brought their best in the Champions League. After finishing first in their groups, the defending champions performed stellar against Liverpool at Anfield, winning the match 5-2. They now face Chelsea in the quarter-final in a repeat of last year’s clash.
For Real Madrid, though, it has been the league matches, especially against teams with low blocks, where they have massively struggled. This has been down to the attackers’ poor start to the season, especially Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr.
For Barcelona, though, it has been a season to remember. The team has conceded just eight goals, the least among Europe’s top five major leagues. On the other end of the pitch, new signing Robert Lewandowski has been scoring goals left, right and centre. The Pole has scored 15 goals, the most by any player in the league.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid team news
Barcelona have had their fair share of injuries this season which has affected their European campaign. For the match against Real Madrid, the Blaugrana will be without their star winger Ousmane Dembele and midfielder Pedri. However, centre-back Ronaldo Araujo will be available for selection after serving a one-match suspension. Other than that, the club faces no injury concerns.
Barcelona Predicted Line-up: Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Araujo, Kounde; Busquets, Gavi, De Jong; Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Real Madrid will be sweating over the fitness of Karim Benzema, who was injured in the Champions League against…
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