El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid Match Preview, Team News, H2H, Lineups and Prediction
The first El Clasico of the 2023/24 season will take place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys as La Liga champions Barcelona host eternal rivals Real Madrid on matchday 11, according to football updates.
Barcelona remain unbeaten in all competitions and sit 3rd in La Liga table with 24 points. Whereas, Real Madrid sit on top with 25 points in ten games.
Match Preview Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Barcelona claimed the La Liga title last season, becoming champions with four matches to spare. They ultimately finished 10 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. However, this season, the title challenge will be a lot tighter.
The Catalan giants haven’t been so convincing so far this season, as they have already drawn against Getafe, Mallorca and Granada. However, they have earned 24 points and are just one point behind Real Madrid and Girona.
Xavi’s side were able to beat Athletic Club 1-0 last weekend after 17-year-old debutant Marc Guiu scored the goal after coming off the bench. Furthermore, they defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the Champions League to record their third straight win in the competition.
Like Barcelona, Real Madrid have also won their first three matches in the Champions League this season. The 14 time UCL winners will enter the contest after a 2-1 away win over Braga.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have eight wins, one draw and one defeat in La Liga this season. Their only loss came against city rivals Atletico Madrid, which was a poor display from Los Blancos.
Last weekend, they registered a 1-1 draw against Sevilla after falling behind. However, the win against Braga will give them some confidence before facing Barca in El Clasico.
Superstar signing Jude Bellingham has scored 11 goals and registered three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions. Moreover, the 20-year-old will play his first ever Clasico and aims to give his side a positive result.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid H2H Record
- Barcelona: 3 wins
- Real Madrid: 2 wins
- Draws: 0
Last Five Games Barcelona vs Real Madrid
- Barcelona 0-4 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey) – 5 April 2023
- Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid (La Liga) – 19 March 2023
- Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona (Copa del Rey) – 2 March 2023
- Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona (Supercopa de Espana) – 15 January 2023
- Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona (La Liga) – 16 October 2022
Barcelona team news
Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto and Pedri will be a big miss for the Catalan giants. Joao Felix had a knock on Wednesday, but he is not injured and will start. Raphinha is expected to overcome a hamstring problem to be a part of the squad.
Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski remain doubtful, and Xavi will decide whether or not to include them.
Lewandowski is being tipped to start as he is ready to take painkillers. Whereas, Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez will start alongside him.
Real Madrid team news
Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are definitely out with ACL injuries, while Dani Ceballos will again miss out due to a muscular issue.
Arda Guler is back in training after recovering from a thigh problem, but he is unlikely to participate in this game. Eduardo Camavinga is expected to be moved into the left-back position for this match, with Toni Kroos then featuring in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Jude Bellingham has confirmed that he will be available despite suffering an injury scare against Braga, and the Englishman should operate behind a front two of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted line-ups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Fermin, Felix, Torres
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
Prediction Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
A fascinating goal-scoring fixture is expected at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday. Both teams have suffered against their opposition in some matches this season. Furthermore, Barcelona have a lot of players injured, but they will have their home support behind them.
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