The Celebration of the world of football is finally here – El Clásico. So let’s analyze the whole game in a brief Preview.
Match Details:
Date: Sunday, 16th October
Competition: La Liga
Matchday: 09
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Time: 16:15 CEST (Barcelona)
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
VAR: Alejandro Hernández Hernández
Match Overview:
Real Madrid and Barcelona both have the same points but Barçelona’s excellent form in front of goal offensively and defensively has given them the upper hand in goal difference, hence currently leading the Spanish Top Flight.
The importance of this fixture? Bragging rights, Pride, and of course 3 important points in the league as a cushion between the one who wins and loses. Historically, El Clasico Results have been a major indicator of who will win La Liga since it’s always a head-on race between the two juggernauts.
Team news:
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Thibaut Courtois won’t be a part of this fixture and Lunin is expected to fill his absence in between the posts at the Santiago Bernabeu. Xavi affirms Kounde’s return to the squad after being out for multiple weeks which strengthens the backline of the Garnet and Blue.
Comparing the teams:
Barcelona concede an xG of 0.74 per 90 compared to 0.71 per 90 of their rivals in white, while they register an Xg of 2.52 per 90 themselves while Los Blancos register an XG of 2.04 per 90 in the league.
However, in the goalkeeping department, Barcelona’s Ter Stegen boasts a massive 95% save percentage compared to Madrid’s 75% which is also decent but nowhere near their last season.
They both lead the charts in terms of shots on target (6+ shots on target per 90) and are very close in terms of Ball progression and passes into the final third per 90 as well, which signifies it can be a very end-to-end game and the one who’s better well rounded will have a very big say.
Real Madrid’s Players to watch out for:
Vinicius Junior:
Vinicius Junior has been in stellar form ever since Ancelotti took charge and given Barcelona’s defensively thin squad it will be a challenge to stop him.
Karim Benzema:
A very mobile and potent striker, although he saw a slight dip in his goal-scoring form, don’t take him for less- as he can surely be lethal on his day.
Fede Valverde:
A tireless workhorse and a pillar for Madrid offensively and defensively, He has an immense work rate and physicality and it will be tough to over-run him in this fixture.
Fc Barcelona’s Players to watch out for:
Robert Lewandowski:
Lewandowski will look to maintain his lethal form in front of goal and extend his goal tally in La Liga.
Pedri:
Undoubtedly Pedri is the most important and potent piece of Barca’s Midfield and he would look to flick his magic wand on the pitch yet again.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen:
After losing Christiansen and Araujo to injuries and the arrival of Kounde just in time for Classico, Ter Stagen will look to produce key saves for La Blaugrana as he looks to rack up another clean sheet in the league.
Conclusion:
The eternal rivals clash once again. This is not just about 3 points. It’s not just a victory, it’s about the glory, the fulfillment of the emotions accumulated for decades, and the passion and obsession of overcoming. This is the background of this legendary battle, and we should be grateful to see another part of it playing tomorrow. For now and forever, Visca el Barça.
