- Date: October 28
- Location: Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain
- Teams: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid
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FC Barcelona and Real Madrid: Rivalry and Passion at its Peak
FC Barcelona
Barcelona enter this encounter aiming to demonstrate their quality and to close the gap on their rivals at the top of the table. The magic of players like Lamine Yamal and the leadership experience of figures like Robert Lewandowski will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto and Pedri are all unavailable. Joao Felix limped off in the Champions League in midweek but is set to start. Raphinha is tipped to overcome a hamstring problem to make the matchday squad. Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski are both recovering from ankle issues and are expected to make it on time El Clasico.
Lewandowski is being tipped to start, providing that he comes through Friday’s session unscathed, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal could get the nod on the right, with Ferran Torres expected to drop to the bench.
Real Madrid’s injury situation at this stage is clearer, as Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are definitely out with long-term knee problems, while Dani Ceballos will again miss out due to a muscular issue.
Arda Guler is back in training after recovering from a thigh problem which followed a knee operation, but the Turkey international is unlikely to be considered for selection here.
Eduardo Camavinga is widely expected to be moved into the left-back position for this match, with Toni Kroos then featuring in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Joselu should recover from an illness in time to make the squad, while Bellingham has confirmed that he will be available despite suffering an injury scare against Braga, and the Englishman should operate behind a front two of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid
Madrid arrive determined to maintain their good run and strengthen their position in La Liga. With players of the calibre of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos posses the quality and experience necessary to take on Barça. However, Madrid faltered against city rivals Atletico and some feel that their system lacks width and, with the greatest of respect to Joselu, a natural centre forward of high class.
Long-term injury victims Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao remain out with their knee problems. El Clasico will come too soon for Dani Ceballos who has a muscular issue.
Arda Guler is back in training after recovering from a thigh problem but is unlikely to be involved.
Joselu is predicted to recover from an illness in time to make the squad, while Jude Bellingham has confirmed that he will be available despite training alone after an injury scare in midweek. The England international has been the stand out man in La Liga and, arguably, Europe this season and will be key to Madrid’s chances.
Prediction
The history between these two giants of world football is rich in emotions, goals, and unforgettable moments, and this encounter promises to be no exception. The intensity and passion will be felt in every corner, with both teams willing to leave it all on the field for the three points.
Given the rivalry and history between them, a definitive result is hard to predict, but we can expect Barcelona to dominate possession, with Real Madrid defending deeper and looking for counterattacks. In Bellingham, however, Madrid have a player who’s performances and goals have had a major impact this season and who, at 20 years of age, looks like a genuine world star.
We leave you with two forecasts. The first is the victory for Barcelona and the second is there being fewer than 3.5 goals in the match.
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