It’s a no-brainer of a competition. For decades, Barcelona vs Real Madrid have one of the greatest rivalry in the world and they have battled for Spanish supremacy, and the rivalry will be reignited this weekend as Barcelona hosts the first Clasico of the 2023/24 season.
El Clasico is a fixture that extends beyond the field of play. It’s a rivalry steeped in cultural and political significance, but both Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti will be focused on taking all three points on Saturday.
This season, the two sides are anticipated to compete for the La Liga title once more, with champions Barcelona entering the match just a point behind league leaders Real Madrid.
Both sides have had strong starts to the season, but Saturday’s Clasico will undoubtedly set the tone for the remainder of the 2023/24 season at La Liga’s pinnacle.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Barcelona: 3 wins
- Real Madrid: 2 wins
- Draws: 0
Barcelona team news
So, where do we begin? This game has been mentioned as a possible comeback date for some of Barcelona’s current injured stars, although it’s unclear how many of them Xavi would welcome back for El Clasico.
Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha have all returned to training ahead of Saturday’s encounter, with Lewandowski’s status in particular being optimistic.
Joao Felix should be fit despite picking up a knock on Wednesday in Barca’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk, but Pedri will not feature. Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto are also expected to be absent.
Real Madrid team news
The visitors’ injury situation is rather less dramatic, however Jude Bellingham was substituted in midweek against Braga with a suspected knock.
Ancelotti, on the other hand, has almost certainly confirmed that Real Madrid’s newest superstar will be fit for Saturday’s Clasico.
Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are the only long-term absentees for Madrid.
Madrid predicted lineup vs Barca (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Barca predicted lineup vs Madrid (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Romeu, Lopez, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Gavi.
WATCH EL CLASSICO HERE
