El Clasico has produced some of the most breath-taking meetings between the Spanish rivals and there is no doubt it pulls up the highest viewership from among any soccer derbies in the world. World’s high-profile players are pitted against each other in this fixture and the playing quality never ceases to amaze football lovers.
And it is bound to be that way when the most valuable clubs in the world face off. Real Madrid’s current market value in a mammoth 775.80 million Euros, while Barcelona slightly fall behind to their fierce rivals at 764.50 million Euros.
While Real have been at the top of their game this season, Barcelona have stumbled in their progress. The Catalans are six points behind Real ad a win here will help their cause hugely.
Here is the combined lineup for this 2016/17’s first El Clasico.
Manager- Zinedine Zidane
Los Blancos have hardly seen any failure since the French midfield maestro has taken over as the manager last season. They have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League, flying high in the league and have also experienced a comfortable Copa del Rey campaign. Despite injuries to main players like Marcelo, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Kroos, Zidane’s tactics have kept the team intact.
Keylor Navas-GK
He has almost had the perfect season so far for Real. His game against Atletico earned him a lot of praise lately. His composure while collecting the ball from dangerous set-pieces has made him one of the best keepers in the world at the moment.
Marcelo- LB
He is undoubtedly the best in his position in La Liga. The Brazilian is no less of a goal scorer for Real. He is often seen moving past opponents and scoring before playing a one-two with teammates on his way. He is a treat to watch at times.
Pique- CB
His campaign was cut short a bit due to injury, which forced Luis Enrique to makeshift his defence. Barcelona’s defence looks way more complete and confident with the towering defender at the back.
Ramos- CB
His campaign has also been quite akin to that of Pique. He was also out for over a month with an injury and has just returned to the squad. But none can deny the Spaniard’s ability to perform in big matches as we’ve seen on previous occasions.
Carvajal- RB
He has been brilliant since last season and is one of the most composed side backs in the league. With him fit, he is quite irreplaceable.
Busquets- DM
The towering anchorman has always been one of the most under-rated players for the Catalans. His disciplined duty and commitment to do anything so that the forwards see more of the ball is unquestionable. He is also a great threat in the air.
Andres Iniesta- CAM
Barcelona fans let a huge sigh of relief when Iniesta returned to the squad last week. Enrique has heavily felt his absence in the creative role of the team as Barcelona have been seen dropping points against weaker teams.
Modric- CAM
The Croatian is undoubtedly the engine of Madrid team. His all-round ability to provide impeccable passes, provide perfect crosses and fearlessness to take long shots when needed, is commendable. A proper midfield controller.
Ronaldo- LS
El Clasico has often been boiled down to the rivalries between him and Lionel Messi. He is undoubtedly the one of the greatest to don the Real shirt and his recent hat-trick against Atletico Madrid has kept Real fans on their toes for this match.
Messi- RS
Barcelona’s best player on the pitch and possibly of the world, the little Argentine can score goals from the tightest of angles and the congested of spaces. With him on the ball, there is always a threat for the opponent.
Suarez- ST
Easily one of the best forwards on the planet, the Uruguayan has been in decent form. With Messi, Neymar and Iniesta to provide him the passes, he can almost score at will.
