El Clasico is arguably the biggest game of the year. It involves Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, two of the best teams in Europe, and it also features star-studded teams on a regular basis. We will live another chapter of this amazing derby this Saturday, when both teams collide at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. The ball will start rolling at 12:00 BST, and Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez will be the referee.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid apparently shook off their sluggish start to the season, and they sit in fourth place of the standings with 31 points after 15 matches. That’s not good enough for a fanbase that is used to win every single tournament they are in, but there is no question the team is trending in the correct direction at the moment. They are riding a five-game undefeated streak in La Liga, and they are also coming off a second consecutive FIFA Club World Cup title where they defeated Gremio last week to claim the trophy as the best team in the world. Can they confirm that label when they take on their biggest rivals? At the very least, Madrid know they need to win if they want to keep their title chances alive. A loss against Los Blaugranas would put them 14 points behind the top spot, practically ending any shot at winning the Liga title. So aside from winning because of their pride, Madrid need to win because a defeat would mean a serious blow to their Liga chances.
Team News
Real Madrid are almost at full strength ahead of this game. Names such as Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale have been struggling with injuries of late, but both are fit.
The lone absentee will be Luca Zidane, as the goalkeeper is dealing with a shoulder problem.
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona sit comfortably at the top of the Liga standings with 42 points after 16 matches, and they one of two undefeated sides in the competition. Los Blaugranas are coming off two convincing wins against Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruna. However, playing against Real Madrid will be a tougher test. For what is worth, these two sides already met in the Spanish Super Cup this season. On that occasion, Real Madrid lifted the title after two comfortable wins. But Barca have looked like a much-improved side compared to the one that featured on that playoff tie, and the team seems to have grasped what Ernesto Valverde wants quite well. They have won six of their eight Liga contests at home, and winning against Real Madrid would certainly qualify as a statement win for them. Not they have struggled against top teams – they drew against Atletico Madrid and Valencia – but they would also avenge their two losses in the Spanish Super Cup as well.
Team News
FC Barcelona will be quite depleted ahead of this game. Ousmane Dembele (thigh), Rafinha (knee), and Arda Turan (ankle) have been ruled out for this game. Samuel Umtiti (muscle) is out as well.
To make things more complicated, Gerard Deulofeu (knee) will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability.
Key Factors to Consider
FC Barcelona are only one of the two undefeated sides in the competition. They register W13 D3 L0 in the current season.
Los Blaugranas are also extremely effective at home, since they have a W6 D2 L0 on the road. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have a W5 D2 L1 at home.
FC Barcelona have won their last two league matches at Santiago Bernabeu. Each of those two games featured over 3,5 goals.
Real Madrid are riding a five-game undefeated streak in La Liga, with three wins and two draws over that span.
These two sides feature two of the best attacking lines in the league. Barca have scored the most goals with 42, while Real Madrid have netted 30 thus far.
Conclusion
There is no question FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the best teams in the world. And the stakes will be as high as ever for what is going to be a star-studded contest at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
All eyes of the world will be on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but it might be the perfect chance for other players to shine. Therefore, we are backing Luis Suarez – who hasn’t had a very good season this term – to find the back of the net against Los Blancos. If the Uruguay international responds to the challenge, then there is a good chance Barcelona ends up with the three points.
