The highly anticipated El Clásico, the first of the season, is just around the corner. FC Barcelona will host their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, in a showdown that’s set to ignite the passions of football fans worldwide. The footballing world is abuzz with excitement as the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona prepares to witness another chapter in this historic rivalry, and fans everywhere eagerly await the outcome of this iconic matchup.
FC Barcelona have been using Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys as their home since Camp Nou is under renovation. Therefore, the first El Classico of the season will take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys tomorrow.
Stats & Facts
- FC Barcelona’s recent records against their arch-rival Real Madrid are pretty impressive. The Catalan club has won two of their last three El Clasicos in La Liga.
- In addition, Barcelona have won four of their last six meetings against Real Madrid in all competitions. They have defeated Real Madrid in their last meeting, which was in a club friendly.
- Barcelona is the only team in La Liga who is yet to lose a game. With 7 wins in their first 10 games, Barca stands in 3rd with 24 points.
- Although Real Madrid tasted a defeat in La Liga, they are at the top of the table with 25 points. La Liga’s biggest surprise, Girona, has equal points with Real Madrid. But Real Madrid are at the top due to higher GD.
Team News
Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has been dealing with so many injuries for the last few matches. He had to call up eight academy players for their Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. Last year’s La Liga top scorer Robert Lewandowski is still recovering and will miss tomorrow’s crucial game against Real Madrid, and so is midfielder Frankie de Jong.
Defenders Jules Kounde and Sergio Roberto will miss the rest of the season due to their respective injuries, while midfielder Pedri is very unlikely to be back this season. However, Barca boss Xavi expects to have Raphina back ahead of the El Clasico.
As for Real Madrid, they will miss the service of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao for the remaining season. Defender Dani Ceballos is also unavailable for tomorrow’s game due to his muscular problem. The rest of the players are fit and ready to play the first El Clasico of the season.
Possible Lineup for Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
Possible Lineup for Real Madrid:
Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
Since FC Barcelona are missing a number of their key players, it will be very interesting to see how their academy players handle the pressure in big games such as El Classico. However, Barcelona have successfully won their last two games with these academy graduates, but winning against Real Madrid will be tough enough.
Betfair Odds
Barcelona: 2.52
Draw: 3.61
Real Madrid: 2.75
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