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FC Barcelona – Real Madrid
On Sunday, Spain’s La Liga is set for arguably the most exciting game of the year. The El Clásico takes place on the Catalan Mediterranean coast at 21:00. The hosts from Barcelona want to continue their almost flawless home record in the league. For the visitors from the capital, on the other hand, it is the only opportunity to make the fight for the championship exciting once again. Find out who will offer their fans a pleasing end to the weekend in our Barcelona vs Real Madrid tip.
As badly as FC Barcelona have fared on the European stage this season, the Catalans have done just as well in the domestic league. Barça are currently leading La Liga and have only lost two games there this season. Last weekend, Barcelona won 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao to extend their lead over their Madrid rivals to nine points.
For Real Madrid, things are going the other way round this season. The royals are lagging behind their expectations in the league and need a small miracle to be able to celebrate their 36th league title this season. In the Champions League, on the other hand, Real reached the quarter-finals during the week. The Madrilenians eliminated Liverpool over two games with a total of 6:2.
Barcelona – Real Madrid info:
– Date & Time: 19/03/2023, at 21:00.
– Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 26
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Barcelona Form & Balance Check
Fc Barcelona failed to win the domestic La Liga championship in the past three seasons, but this year things are looking much more promising again. Coach Xavi’s team is currently leading the Spanish league. Barcelona have only suffered two defeats in the league so far, one of them in the first El Clásico against Real Madrid. Last weekend, the Catalans won 1-0 against Bilbao.
However, Barcelona have had much less success on the European stage this season. The team finished the group stage of the Champions League in third place behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and thus slipped into the Europa League. There the Catalans were already eliminated in the intermediate round against Man United.
New players hit the ground running
FC Barcelona have brought some top-class players to the Spanish Mediterranean coast during this year’s summer break and have thus turned their squad upside down. Especially in defence, this plan seems to be working, as the Catalans have conceded only eight goals in the domestic league. Marc-André ter Stegen has made an outstanding 19 nil saves in 25 league games.
But Barcelona is also strong on the offensive. With 47 goals, the FCB has the second-best offence in the league. Newcomer Robert Lewandowski stands out in particular, as he has already scored 15 times in the league and also scored five goals in the Champions League. In addition, the former Bayern star scored one goal in the Europa League.
Barcelona facts & analysis
– Currently top of La Liga table.
– Best defence in the league
– Second best attack in the league
Real Madrid form & balance check
Real Madrid have been in top form at international level in recent weeks. The club from the Spanish capital first won the FIFA Club World Cup and then decided the round of 16 against Liverpool in the Champions League. After a 5-2 win in the first leg at Anfield Road, Real also won the second leg 1-0 on Wednesday.
In the league, however, things look a little different. Real Madrid are nine points behind arch-rivals Barcelona. The upcoming El Clásico could already bring a preliminary decision in the championship race. After two consecutive draws in the league, however, the royals recorded another win last weekend when they beat Espanyol 3:1.
Benzema fit in time
Current Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has been in the form of his life in recent years and played a crucial role in Real Madrid winning both the Spanish championship and Champions League the previous season.
This season, however, the 35-year-old striker suffered a number of setbacks due to injuries. Nevertheless, he has already scored eleven times in 15 league games. Although he missed last weekend due to injury, he is now fit again. He proved his ability again against Liverpool and got on the scoresheet once more.
Real Madrid facts & analysis
– Currently second in the La Liga table
– Best offence in the league
– Already three away defeats in La Liga
Predicted lineup – last update on March 18, 2023
Barcelona will of course start in a 4-3-3 again against Real. Captain Sergio Busquets will fill the central role in midfield. Pedri recently returned to training, but will probably not be in the starting eleven again. Ousmane Dembélé is still missing for the Catalans due to injury.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will not make any major changes to his team. Therefore, we expect Real to start with the same starting eleven as on Wednesday against Liverpool. Nacho will again replace the injured Alaba and Mendy on the left side of defence. Otherwise, however, all players are available to the royals.
Barcelona – Real Madrid direct comparison & Statistics
252 competitive matches have already been played between the two rivals in their history. Real Madrid have had the edge in the El Clásico a little more often. The royals have won 102 games against Barça. The Catalans, on the other hand, have only won 99 times against Real. Madrid won the first leg in the league 1-0. However, Barça had the upper hand in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg and in the Supercopa this season.
– The last nine meetings between the two teams did not end in a draw
– Barcelona win 55% of the halves, Real Madrid win 40%.
– When Barcelona lead 1-0 in home games, they win 80% of the games.
– Real Madrid have not lost any of their last five league games
