One of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the football calendar is set to unfold at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on a Saturday afternoon, as La Liga champions Barcelona play host to the current league leaders, Real Madrid.
Barcelona, who have managed to remain undefeated in all competitions this season, find themselves in third place on the La Liga table, amassing 24 points from their first 10 matches. Meanwhile, Real Madrid stands atop the league with 25 points, setting the stage for a closely contested season.
Despite their dominant performance in La Liga last season, finishing as champions with four matches to spare and a 10-point lead over Real Madrid, the current campaign appears to be a more competitive affair at the summit of the table.
Xavi’s Barcelona has had their share of challenges in the league this season, recording draws against Getafe, Mallorca, and Granada. Nevertheless, they have secured victory in their other seven matches, totaling 24 points, placing them just one point behind both second-placed Girona and leaders Real Madrid after 10 rounds.
In their most recent league outing, Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao thanks to a monumental goal by 17-year-old debutant Marc Guiu. They continued their winning streak with a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday.
While Xavi’s leadership has yet to steer Barcelona into the Champions League knockout stage, the club leads Group H with nine points, positioning them well for further progress.
Barcelona has been successful in two of their last three league encounters with Real Madrid, including a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last season. However, the venue for this match is Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys due to renovations at Camp Nou, which could level the playing field.
In all competitions, Barcelona has emerged victorious in four of their last six meetings with Real Madrid. While the league title won’t be decided on Saturday, securing a positive result in these matches holds significant importance.
On the other hand, Real Madrid comes into this fixture on the heels of a 2-1 victory over Braga in the Champions League, where they currently top Group C with nine points.
Like Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti’s side is in a favorable position to progress to the round of 16. In La Liga, they have displayed impressive form with eight wins, one draw, and one defeat, the lone loss occurring against Atletico Madrid on September 24. This strong start has fueled their confidence heading into El Clasico.
Jude Bellingham, a standout player for Real Madrid this season, has recorded 11 goals and three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions. The 20-year-old is poised to play his first Clasico, marking the beginning of a promising career in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final in March, the last time these teams met. However, their last league win at Barcelona dates back to October 2021.
Real Madrid currently boasts the best defensive record in La Liga, conceding only seven goals, while Barcelona has let in 10 goals. Nevertheless, Barcelona has outscored Real Madrid, tallying 22 goals to Real Madrid’s 21.
This El Clasico, the first of the season, promises an intense showdown with both teams seeking to gain an early advantage in the La Liga title race. Barcelona aims to leapfrog Real Madrid in the table and continue their unbeaten run, while Real Madrid seeks to maintain their lead and carry their strong form into one of the most significant fixtures on their calendar. It’s a clash of giants that promises excitement and spectacle.
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