The newest version of the well-known El Clasico graces spectators this Saturday as defending champions Real Madrid host archrivals Barcelona on the Santiago Bernabeu, with Spain’s fiercest rivals separated by simply three factors on the prime of La Liga.
Both golf equipment are using excessive after thrilling midweek victories within the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid dismantled Borussia Dortmund 5-2, whereas Barcelona eased previous Bayern Munich 4-1.
The stage is about, however Real Madrid head into the sport with damage issues that might tip the stability.
Injury woes
Real Madrid’s dominant win in opposition to Dortmund got here at a price.
Key gamers Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo are sidelined with accidents, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s squad short-handed.
Courtois sidelined with an adductor concern, shall be changed by Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin, who steps up as soon as once more within the Belgian’s absence.
Rodrygo’s hamstring damage, sustained in the course of the midweek match, means Real will miss his creativity on the wing.
Ancelotti might want to dig deep into his bench, with Brahim Diaz probably returning after a two-month layoff, however regulars David Alaba and Dani Carvajal stay unavailable.
Momentum and problem
Despite their damage setbacks, Real Madrid enter this Clasico on a excessive.
They have received their final three aggressive encounters in opposition to Barcelona, together with a Spanish Super Cup triumph and league victories each dwelling and away.
The final time La Blaugrana triumphed on this rivalry was March 2023, because of an injury-time objective from Franck Kessie.
Barcelona, nevertheless, did handle a 2-1 win in a summer season exhibition at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, however that was merely a pleasant.
When it involves official matches, they’ve struggled in opposition to Madrid lately.
But Hansi Flick’s aspect, led by Robert Lewandowski, who leads the league with 12 objectives, is decided to interrupt that development and widen the hole on the prime of La Liga.
Mbappe’s debut
All eyes shall be on Kylian Mbappe as he makes his El Clasico debut.
Having missed the Madrid derby with damage, the French star is now match and able to take the sector in opposition to Barcelona for the primary time in a Real Madrid shirt.
Mbappe has a historical past of tormenting Barca defenses from his PSG days, scoring six objectives in 4 encounters.
Madrid followers shall be desperate to see if he can replicate that kind on Saturday.
With the Catalan’s excessive line of defense, there could possibly be loads of area for Mbappe to use along with his blistering tempo.
His deadly ending was on show once more final weekend when he scored a long-range stunner in opposition to Celta Vigo.
With six objectives in 9 league matches, Mbappe’s kind is peaking on the proper time.
Barca’s assaults
Flick’s Barcelona aspect sits atop the league and boasts a formidable assault.
Lewandowski continues to dominate the scoring charts, and the crew performs with an attacking aptitude that has swept apart opponents.
Barca additionally face their very own damage challenges.
Long-term absentees Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo will miss the match, however star midfielder Gavi is again, including a spark to their midfield after getting back from an ACL damage within the Sevilla rout.
Tactical battle
Ancelotti is prone to shift his tactical strategy because of the absence of Rodrygo.
Real Madrid may deploy a diamond midfield, with Jude Bellingham working in a sophisticated function behind the strike duo of Mbappe and Vinicius.
Eduardo Camavinga is about to interchange veteran Luka Modric, providing a mix of vitality and creativity alongside Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
For Barcelona, Lewandowski will spearhead the assault, wanting so as to add to his already spectacular tally.
But the true battle might unfold in midfield, the place Gavi and Pedri will purpose to regulate the tempo in opposition to Madrid’s dynamic younger core.
What’s at stake?
A win for Barcelona would lengthen their lead on the prime of La Liga and hand them an important psychological edge because the season progresses.
Real Madrid, then again, shall be aiming for a fifth consecutive Clasico win, a streak that may enhance their title ambitions and ship a message to the remainder of the league.
Source: www.dailysabah.com