Arguably the biggest game in world football, Real Madrid host Barcelona in the season’s first El Clásico in a clash that could already have huge implications on the La Liga title race.
Match News and Current Form
Real Madrid sit two points clear of their visitors at the La Liga summit having won four successive games across all competitions while conceding just once after shutting out Juventus in midweek UEFA Champions League action (1-0). That run came on the back of a 5-2 thrashing against city rivals Atlético in what is their only defeat of the season so far, but the nature of that performance may have the home fans worried ahead of another domestic blockbuster. Manager Xabi Alonso, who won just five of his 20 Clásicos as a player (D6, L9), is looking to buck a trend that’s seen seven of Real’s last eight managers lose their first league game against Barcelona, but home advantage should serve him well as Los Blancos have won eight successive home league games, their best such run since February 2015.
Defending La Liga champions Barcelona are looking to reclaim their place at the top of the table, and a 6-1 win over Olympiacos on Tuesday, combined with 24 hours extra rest, has them well placed to do just that. Injuries to key forward players haven’t slowed the Blaugrana down as they enter the weekend as the division’s top scorers (24) despite being slow starters, as they’ve conceded first in four of their nine league matches so far. One of those games came on their last trip away at Sevilla (L 4-1), but having gone unbeaten in their 15 league road games prior (W11, D4), they’ll be confident of avoiding a first set of back-to-back away league defeats since April 2024.
Head-to-Head History
Barcelona dominated this fixture last season, winning all four Clásicos, two of which came in cup finals, scoring 3+ goals each time. Only once previously have they won five successive H2Hs, but Real will be out to stop them having won seven of the last 11 meetings in the league (L4).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Four of Real’s six home wins this season came by a single-goal margin.
Real have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven home Clásicos.
Pre-round, Barcelona have hit the woodwork a league-high ten times this season.
Barcelona’s last six matches across all competitions saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Kylian Mbappé boasts a stellar individual record against Barcelona, scoring 11 times in eight H2Hs, including five goals in his four Clásicos. Opposing superstar Lamine Yamal tortured Real last season, as he was involved in five goals across Barcelona’s four H2H victories (G3, A2).
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen are all nearing returns for Real, while Raphinha returned to training for Barcelona this week and could also be involved.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Picking a winner here looks tricky, but given both sides’ fearsome attacks, going for a bold over 4.5 goals selection could pay off.
Author: Ryan Fisher