It is that time of the year again, when two of the best football teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona, lock horns with each other in the biggest matchup the world has ever known, the El Clasico. Fans of the two teams will have their eyes stuck on Santiago Bernabeu, the home ground of the Galacticos that will host the El Clasico this time.
Currently, Real Madrid is on the top of the table in the Spanish La Liga with 75 points, while Barcelona is at number two with 72 points. It means that both teams will look to win the matchup, Real Madrid to get a stronghold on their place at number one, and Barcelona to topple the current League leaders in their own backyard and make the business end of the season even more exciting.
Team news-
Real Madrid-
Zinedine Zidane’s men will be without the inspirational Welshman Gareth Bale, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to form along with the young Spaniard Isco being among goals must be reason enough for the Galacticos fans of winning the matchup. However, the off form of goalkeeper Keylor Navas can be a reason of concern for the Spanish League leaders.
Barcelona-
With recent losses under their belt, it will be crucial for Barcelona to win the El Clasico not only to gain points but also to get the much-needed boost for the rest of the season. With their spearheads of attack Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez raring to go, the Catalan giants would like to turn the table in their favour going into the business end of the season. Neymar will miss the tie.
Predicted Line-ups-
Real Madrid-
Navas, Ramos, Fernandez, Carvajal, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo, Isco, Benzema.
Barcelona-
Ter Stegen, Alba, Pique, Umtiti, Roberto, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Alcacer, Messi, Suarez.
Key Players-
Real Madrid-
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 5 goals in two matches against the German Champions Bayern Munich including a hat-trick, which is good news for the Galacticos no doubt. Isco, the 24-year old Spanish forward’s swift running, ball control, and shooting from both long and close range is the reason that he is being hailed as one of the key players in the forthcoming matchup against Barcelona. Besides, Brazilian left back Marcelo’s abilities to intercept balls, along with going forward to supply balls into opposition half and concentration on the ball make him a perfect contender to be hailed as a key player during the El Clasico.
Barcelona-
Lionel Messi is in immaculate form going into this match and is currently in the top spot in the highest goal scorers list in La Liga this season. Barcelona will be depending on him heavily to get them a win, a much-needed one, which will ensure the top spot in the league table for them. The Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has been a force to reckon with and it goes without saying that he will be a key factor for Barcelona in the forthcoming El Clasico. Barcelona of late has found themselves in a soup in the defensive department, and Gerard Pique will have to play a significant role in defence if Barcelona wants to win the El Clasico.
Likely Outcome-
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been through up and downs this season, they will look to make this encounter an enthralling one. Looking at current form, Real Madrid has an advantage over Barcelona. However, Barcelona will look to give their best and present the fans with a match to remember.
