Real Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | La Liga, October 26, 2024

Preview

• Date: Saturday, October 26
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain

The football world will be treated to the biggest fixture in the world, the El Clasico on Saturday. The two biggest clubs on the planet, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will go toe-to-toe at the Santiago Bernabeu for the bragging rights of Spanish football. Millions of eyes around the globe will be drawn to this contest with both sides coming into the game on the back of tremendous results in the Champions League. The result will most probably determine the fate of the 2024/25 La Liga title. The Catalans are currently at the top of the pile with 27 points in the bag while Madrid is just three points behind before matchday 11.

Real Madrid has endured a disappointing start to the season. The performances have been far from the level that is associated with the biggest club in the world. Despite that, Madrid has managed to stay in touch with its eternal rivals in the league table. Carlo Ancelotti is yet to finalize his strongest starting XI but the Italian will hope that the spectacular comeback in the second half against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday will provide the required impetus to his squad. Los Blancos have scored 10 goals in the last five matches and have also been awarded the most penalties this season (five). The reigning Spanish and European champions will have to address their defensive issues to keep pace with the high press of FC Barcelona.

FC Barcelona squad has undergone a complete transformation this season under Hansi Flick. The Catalans were headed nowhere under club legend, Xavi last season but have miraculously found a project to bet on for the long-term future. The German coach has not been shy in taking his chances with Barcelona and has employed his trademark vertical style of football characterised by a high-line and counter-pressing. The results have been a reflection of the hard work in training with Barcelona having scored 19 goals in the last five games. The Blaugrana fans will be delighted to see the big game prowess of their beloved club, having witnessed the 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Real Madrid Team News

The memorable redemption against Borrusia Dortmund did come at a big cost for Real Madrid. Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois were ruled out of El Clasico in the hours following the Dortmund match. The unavailability of Courtois will be a big miss for Team Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti, considering his ability to bail out his backline on multiple occasions. Brahim Diaz has made a very fast recovery from his injury and has a chance to be named in the matchday squad. Dani Carvajal and David Alaba continue to be the long-term absentees for Real Madrid. It will be interesting to find the decision of Carlo Ancelotti on whether to continue with the 4-3-3 or revert to the two men upfront in the absence of Rodrygo.

Barcelona Team News

FC Barcelona will have a long injury list ahead of the Clasico. Andres Christensen (Achilles Tendon Injury), Eric Garcia (Muscle Injury), Ferran Torres (Hamstring Injury), Marc Bernal (Ligament Injury), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (ACL), and Ronaldo Araujo (Hamstring Injury) will not be involved with the rest of their teammates for the coveted game. Hansi Flick will be delighted to have Frenkie De Jong and Gavi back in the squad. Barcelona is likely to go with the same XI that started the Bayern Munich game.

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Real Madrid vs Barcelona Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-2-2-2)

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Militao, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy

Midfielders: Camavinga, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham

Forwards: Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Pena

Defenders: Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde

Midfielders: Pedri, Casado, Lopez

Forwards: Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Real Madrid vs Barcelona H2H Record

Last season, Real Madrid emerged triumphant in all three head-to-head meetings with FC Barcelona. Overall, in the last five meetings between Madrid and Barcelona, Real Madrid has won four matches while Barcelona has won a single match. The last draw in a Clasico came back in December 2019.

Key Players to Watch in Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Forward Vinicius Jr. has been the man for Real Madrid this season. At a time when the club’s other forwards are struggling for consistency, the Brazilian has been in red-hot form this season. Vinicius is generally a slow starter but the 24-year-old has eight goals and four assists this season already. Vini’s explosiveness and relentless pursuit were on display against Borussia Dortmund where he bagged a hattrick to complete the comeback victory. Barcelona is one of his favourite victims, having scored seven goals and provided four assists against them in the past. His ability to break down Jules Kounde and the right flank of Barcelona’s backline will be the key to Madrid enjoying a successful night at the Bernabeu.

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Robert Lewandowski has been the undisputed best striker in the world this season. Lewandowski has been one of the major beneficiaries of a revitalised Barcelona under Hansi Flick. The Pole worked with Flick at Bayern Munich where he enjoyed the best season of his career. The 36-year-old is en route to another historical individual campaign. Robert Lewandowski has gained significant ground in the Pichichi race this season with 12 goals already in the league, six more than any other player in Spain. The former Dortmund man also has three Champions League goals to his name this term. Lewandowski has been a frequent competitor of Real Madrid, having faced the European giants 15 times in the past with eight goals and three assists to his name.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction

It is unlikely that Hansi Flick will proceed with his usual high line against Real Madrid, taking into account the pace and athleticism of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Nonetheless, the former Bayern Munich coach has brought in a style of football which is alien to La Liga. Real Madrid is depleted in the back due to the magnitude of injuries and a bad defensive shape. The visitors’ counter-pressing can prove to be the difference between the two sides.

Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona

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