Real Madrid vs. Barcelona is always a spectacle, but this Saturday’s showdown at the Bernabéu carries even more weight as Kylian Mbappé prepares for his first El Clásico appearance. Despite some inconsistency, Real Madrid remain unbeaten in La Liga, securing 24 points from their opening 10 games (seven wins, three draws). However, they sit three points behind table-topping Barcelona, making this clash a pivotal opportunity to close the gap. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad have enjoyed success in recent encounters with their fierce rivals, winning each of the last four matchups across all competitions, including a league double last season.
Though their 2-1 win over Celta Vigo last weekend and a dramatic 5-2 comeback against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League suggest resilience, there have been teething issues in incorporating Mbappé smoothly alongside Jude Bellingham, whose contributions have dipped compared to last term. With a packed schedule ahead, including a crucial fixture against AC Milan, Los Blancos know a win could not only level the points tally but also put them in a prime position before the international break.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are flying high under new boss Hansi Flick, who’s silenced any doubts with a blistering start to the season. The Catalans top the table with 27 points from 10 games, boasting nine wins and a remarkable 33 goals scored – more than any other side in Spain’s top flight. Flick’s team looks formidable despite battling injury woes, most recently demolishing Sevilla 5-1 in La Liga and taking down Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League, thanks to an outstanding Raphinha hat-trick.
With key players returning to fitness and the momentum building, Barcelona are set to make a statement this weekend. A victory over Real would not only stretch their lead to six points but also reinforce their early dominance. As they prepare for the Catalan derby against Espanyol and another Champions League bout, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Flick and his squad.
El Clasico is heating up once again!
Team News
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of El Clásico, with both Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo sidelined for the next two to three weeks following knocks sustained in their clash against Bayern. Andriy Lunin is expected to step up as the man between the posts, while Rodrygo’s absence is prompting a tactical reshuffle. Jude Bellingham is likely to slot in behind a front two consisting of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, providing a fresh attacking dimension.
While Bellingham is still searching for his first goal of the season, Vinícius has been on fire, netting eight times, including a midweek Champions League hat-trick against Dortmund. Mbappé, meanwhile, has tallied eight goals across 13 appearances. With Brahim Díaz returning to the squad, he could be a dynamic option off the bench later in the game. However, Real will also miss David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, adding to their growing list of absentees.
Barcelona
Barcelona, on the other hand, are getting a welcome boost, with Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, and Gavi all back in the mix following injury layoffs, though they may remain bench options for El Clásico. Young central-midfielder Marc Casado has been a standout performer this season, earning praise from Xavi, and looks set to maintain his role alongside Pedri.
Fermin Lopez, fresh off providing two assists against Bayern, is likely to continue in the number 10 position. Barcelona’s defense, however, remains threadbare, with Ronald Araújo, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-André ter Stegen all unavailable. Eric Garcia’s potential return offers a glimmer of hope as the squad looks to overcome these challenges.
Key Players
Real Madrid – Vinicius Jr
With eight goals and five assists already this season, Vinícius Júnior is proving that even alongside a superstar like Kylian Mbappé, he’s still the one to watch. On the brink of Ballon d’Or contention, Vinícius continues to dazzle with his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability – making him a nightmare for defenders. Given Barcelona’s current defensive injuries, Vinícius will be eager to exploit any weaknesses, knowing this could be a prime opportunity to deliver another standout performance.
A Ballon d'Or kind of performance! ⏳
— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 23, 2024
Vinícius Júnior scored his third hat-trick for Real Madrid in all competitions and his first in the Champions League. pic.twitter.com/VCXDaa7Hk0
Barcelona – Lamine Yamal
It’s hard to believe that Yamal is just 17. Against Bayern Munich midweek, he had grown men on skates. He looked like he wasn’t even trying. Nutmeg here, Rabona pass there. He simply is special. There is a confidence and assertiveness to his game that some players never obtain in their whole career. He has achieved it before he’s legally allowed to have a post-game bottle of Estrella.
He has scored four and assisted six in just ten La Liga games this season. With his lightning-quick movements and creativity, Yamal has become a crucial outlet in attack, especially with several of Barcelona’s senior forwards dealing with injuries. As El Clásico approaches, all eyes will be on how the youngster handles the pressure in the biggest match of his career so far.
Lamine Yamal is ready for El Clasico! pic.twitter.com/bjW73geB74
— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 24, 2024
Key El Clasico Statistics
- There hasn’t been a La Liga draw between the two sides at the Bernabeu since 2011
- Barcelona have won 99 El Clasico fixtures. A win tomorrow would take them to the century.
- Real Madrid have won 105 El Clasicos.
- In 16 El Clásico encounters across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España, Carlo Ancelotti has yet to record a single draw against Barcelona. His record stands at nine wins and seven losses from those matches, with no stalemates against Real Madrid’s eternal rivals.
The Brazilian superstars are ready for El Clasico 🔥🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 24, 2024
Vinicius and Raphinha BOTH scored hat tricks in the Champions League this week pic.twitter.com/ZN67R1D0XF
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter
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