Barcelona face Real Madrid in a title-deciding El Clasico at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys today. The Catalans lead La Liga by four points with four games to go and a win would all but seal the title. Real Madrid need to win to stay in the hunt.
Preview
Barcelona have been the team to beat in Spain this season, having beaten Real Madrid three times already – including two cup finals – and scoring a league-high 91 goals. Hansi Flick’s side are on a four-game league winning streak and have won 13 of their last 14 La Liga games. Their treble dream ended with Champions League elimination but they’re on course for a domestic double after winning the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid are four points behind with 75 and are in must-win territory. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won their last four league games, keeping three clean sheets, but have suffered recent cup heartbreak to Barcelona and Arsenal. Their attack, led by Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, is still potent but defensive injuries have left them vulnerable.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Barcelona
- Out: Jules Kounde, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Pablo Torre
- Boost: Alejandro Balde back in training; Robert Lewandowski to start after cameo vs Inter Milan
- Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Madrid
- Out: Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga
- Likely XI (4-4-2): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Tchouameni, Fran Garcia; Guler, Ceballos, Modric, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Tactical Overview
Barcelona’s high press and attacking fluidity, led by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, have been the key to their dominance. Flick’s side have 91% pass accuracy and 2.6 goals per game in recent matches. Lewandowski and Balde back!Real Madrid’s counter-attack is a threat, with Vinicius and Mbappe able to punish any defensive mistake. But Ancelotti’s makeshift backline – due to a host of injuries – faces a tough test against the league’s best attack. Madrid’s midfield, with Modric and Ceballos, must control the ball and support the defense.
Stats
- Barcelona have beaten Real Madrid three times already this season, including 4-0 at the Bernabeu.
- Barcelona have scored 91 goals in La Liga, 22 more than Madrid.
- Real Madrid have won their last four league games, keeping three clean sheets.
- Vinicius Junior has 20 goals and 14 assists in 49 matches this season but only three goals in his last 15 league games.
- Barcelona have scored 13 goals in their last five games and 91% pass accuracy.
Player to Watch: Vinicius Junior
Vinicius has not been at his best in the second half of the season with just 3 goals in his last 15 league games. But he’s a big game player and Madrid will need a performance from him to keep the title hopes alive.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction
Barcelona have the momentum, home advantage and a more settled team. Real Madrid’s counter attacking and big game mentality means they can never be ruled out but their injured defense could be exposed by Barcelona’s relentless attack.
Barcelona 2-3 Real Madrid
Expect a high scoring El Clasico, Real Madrid need to win so they will attack and might just edge it to keep the title race alive.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
