One of the greatest rivalries in the history of the game comes to the fore tonight: Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Camp Nou as they battle it out for 3 crucial points. The hosts need it to go 12 points clear at the top and further cement their hopes of winning La Liga, the visitors need it to stay alive, only just, in the title race. Who wins and who loses?
Barcelona remain quite unstoppable in the league, coming into this clash on the back of another 1-0 victory, this time at San Mames, one of the toughest grounds in La Liga. They've endured two defeats and two draws so far this season, conceding only 8 goals, one of them at home. They should have all the confidence they need to win this tie.
Real Madrid however, are way off the pace in La Liga, contrary to their form in the Champions League, where they just booked a spot in the quarter finals a few days ago over Liverpool with a 6-2 aggregate win. They know that it'll take a monumental collapse from the rivals to give them any chance in the La Liga title race, and they have the opportunity to trouble them tonight.
INTERESTING STATS
- This is Xavi's first El Clasico in the Camp Nou as manager. He has overseen six clasicos so far, three in the Bernabeu, the other three on neutral grounds, winning four of them.
- His only losses are the Supercup semifinal last year in Saudi Arabia (3-2) and the reverse league fixture in October, where Barcelona lost 3-1 at the Bernabeu.
-Barcelona have the best defence in the league, having conceded just eight goals so far.
-Real Madrid have the best attack in the league, they have found the back of the net on 50 occasions so far.
-Barcelona have won 22 out of their last 48 fixtures against Real Madrid.
-Robert Lewandowski has 15 goals in his 20 league starts for the Catalan giants.
-Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has 11 goals in his 15 league starts for Real Madrid.
-Los Blancos have 101 wins in official Clasico games, compared to 99 for the Blaugrana.
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Ousmane Dembele and Pedri remain crucial absentees for Xavi. The Catalans have however, found ways to win games without their main men and can do so here as well.
Marc Andre TerStegen will resume his duties at the goal post, looking to keep yet another clean sheet. The meanest defense in La Liga remains intact, as Ronald Araujo is welcomed back from suspension. Xavi could use 3 or 4 midfielders in this game, which means Kessie may join Gavi, DeJong and Busquets. Raphinha, who has been getting the goals recently, will continue alongside Robert Lewandowski, who is desperately in need of a goal right now. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres remain options in attack.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti will be without the services of David Alaba, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain. Everyone else is available. Ferland Mendy and Karim Benzema have been deemed got enough to return to the squad.
Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois will be in goal. Nacho and Dani Carvajal will be the full-backs, while Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger will pair up in the heart of the defence.
Tchouameni will slot in as the holding midfielder, while Camavinga will keep his place in the centre of the park, alongside Luka Modric. Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior will form the attack.
Where and when are Barcelona vs Real Madrid playing?
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: Camp Nou
Date: Sunday 19 March
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea
VAR: TBC
It's the El Clasico, and as such, there are no favorites. Both teams desperately want the win and will go all out to get it. The best attack in the league squaring up against the best defense should make for a riveting clash.
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