Date: Saturday 24th, October 2020.
Venue – Camp Nou
Match Preview
Barcelona will welcome Real Madrid to Camp Nou on Saturday for the first Clasico of the season. The Catalan giants suffered a 1-0 defeat to Getafe in La Liga last weekend but returned to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday night, recording a thumping 5-1 victory over Ferencvarosi
Ronald Koeman’s side are currently ninth in La Liga with seven points to show from their four matches, while Real Madrid occupy third with 10 points from their five fixtures.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have suffered consecutive defeats over the past week and are in desperate need of a boost of morale. Zinedine Zidane expressed confidence in his side following their shock loss to Shakhtar Donetsk and will have to ensure that his stars are at their best against Barcelona.
Barcelona’s rivalry with Real Madrid often transcends the realm of sport but as far as the footballing head-to-head record is concerned, the two Spanish giants are on an even footing. Real Madrid and Barcelona have recorded 96 victories apiece from a total of 244 games and will want to edge ahead in this fixture.
The previous La Liga meeting between these two sides ended in a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid, with Vinicius Junior and Mariano Diaz getting on to the scoresheet. Both sides have undergone phases of transition since the game, however, and will look to make a fresh start in El Clasico this weekend.
Team Form
Barcelona form in La Liga: L-D-W-W
Real Madrid form in La Liga: L-W-W-W-D
Team News
Ronald Koeman will continue to stick with Neto in goal with German International Mac Andre Ter Stergen still injured. Also Samuel Umtiti is injured and will not feature in the squad this week.
Antoine Griezmann was rested against Ferencvaros and is likely to play a part in the game. The Frenchman has endured a difficult few months at Barcelona and will have to take it up a notch in this game.
Real Madrid on the other hand have injury issues of their own with both Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola sidelined for this game. Ferland Mendy and Marcelo started in the full-back positions against Shakhtar Donetsk and are likely to keep their places in the starting eleven.
While Sergio Ramos will return to the fold for this game, Eden Hazard and Martin Odegaard have been unable to recover in time and will not feature against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Karim Benzema was used as a substitute in the Champions League this week and is sure to lead the line for Real Madrid in this game.
Prediction
FC Barcelona 3 – 2 Real Madrid.
Written by: Akinnifesi Olumide
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