The first El Clasico of the 2024/25 season promises to be a thrilling encounter as Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Both teams are in top form, with Madrid unbeaten in the league and Barcelona leading the table. Coming off the back of convincing Champions League victories, this showdown will be crucial for the title race and is bound to offer a high-quality tactical battle.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has faced injury blows ahead of the clash, with key players like Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois sidelined. Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are also unavailable. However, the return of Brahim Diaz offers some relief. Ancelotti might opt for a 4-4-2 formation, which worked well last season, with Andriy Lunin continuing to deputize for Courtois in goal.
Defensively, Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy are likely to start as full-backs, with Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao at the heart of the defense. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni will anchor the side, supported by Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, while Jude Bellingham will take up the number ten role. In attack, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are expected to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is flying high, but they are also dealing with some injury issues. Ferran Torres, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen are out, while Eric Garcia could return to the squad. Despite injuries, Barcelona’s depth remains strong, and they’ll continue to build on their recent successes, including a 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Flick is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Inaki Pena in goal and a back four consisting of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde. In midfield, Marc Casado and Pedri will look to control the tempo, while Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Raphinha will offer creativity and width in attack. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line as the central striker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Key Stats
- Barcelona have won their last four matches in all competitions.
- Real Madrid have also won their last three games, remaining unbeaten in La Liga this season.
- Real Madrid are just one match away from equaling Barcelona’s record of 43 unbeaten La Liga games.
- Barcelona boast the best attack in the division, with 33 goals in 10 league outings.
Player to Watch
Vinicius Junior will be the focal point for Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger, fresh off a hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund, has been in sensational form, with eight goals and seven assists in 14 appearances. Barcelona will have to pay special attention to him, but Vinicius’s flair and pace will be a major threat.
Prediction
Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona
How to Watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
