Competition: La Liga
Match Day: 29
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Fc Barcelona:
Last 5 Games (All competitions): W, W, D, W, W
Current Standing: 3rd in La Liga
Real Madrid:
Last 5 Games (All competitions): W, W, W, W, W
Current Standing: 1st in La Liga
Date and Time: Sunday, March 20, 2022, 9:00 pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8:00 pm GMT (UK), 3:00 pm ET, Noon PT (USA), 01:30 am IST (India, Monday), 01:00 am PST (Pak, Monday)
How to watch on TV: Not Available (USA), TSN 4 (Canada), LaLigaTV (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), MTV (India), Geo Super (Pakistan) Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain)
How to watch online: ESPN + (USA), (USA), LaLigaTV (UK)
Match Preview:
The last time these two sides met in La Liga on October 24, 2021, Barcelona was a team in turmoil, struggling to find its footing under Ronald Koeman. Fans were left frustrated by the team’s performance in the 2-1 defeat to their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
In the aftermath of the loss, tensions ran high, with some angry fans even attempting to attack Koeman’s car as he left the stadium.
Barcelona were in the midst of a challenging transition period following the departure of their talisman. Transitions are never easy, and this was no exception. Fast forward to the upcoming Clasico, and the landscape has completely shifted.
Xavi has exceeded all expectations, turning the team around much faster than anyone anticipated. Barca’s winter signings have also been pivotal in this resurgence. In just a few months, Xavi has accelerated progress that would normally take years, and now Barcelona is once again becoming a force to be reckoned with.
On the other side, Real Madrid is enjoying their second-longest unbeaten streak in El Clasico history, having won five and drawn one of their last six encounters. The club’s best run came between 1962 and 1965 when they won seven consecutive Clasicos.
Real Madrid is riding high, especially after eliminating PSG from the Champions League. However, they are dealing with some injury concerns ahead of this game.
Karim Benzema’s participation remains in doubt, and Ferland Mendy is ruled out with an abductor injury. Despite their comfortable lead at the top of the La Liga table, Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized to his team that El Clasico is like a final, and they are preparing accordingly.
In conclusion, the upcoming El Clasico promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams in contrasting yet equally compelling phases. Barcelona, revitalized under Xavi, are riding a wave of optimism and ambition as they look to re-establish their dominance.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, with their wealth of experience and recent success, will aim to extend their impressive unbeaten run in this historic rivalry. With both sides carrying unique motivations—Barcelona’s resurgence and Madrid’s desire to solidify their league dominance—the stage is set for yet another unforgettable chapter in the storied saga of El Clasico.
Potential Barcelona Line-up:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goal Keeper: Ter Stegen
Defenders: Dani Alves, Gerad Pique, Ronald Araujo, Jordi Alba
Midfielders: Busquets, Pedri, Frenkie
Forwards: Ferran, Aubameyang, Dembele
