FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Match preview | OneFootball

Following a dramatic victory against Celta Vigo, Real Madrid will now face their arch-nemesis, FC Barcelona, in a match that may well decide this season’s La Liga winner.

Real Madrid head into this match well-rested, having played exactly a week ago at the Santiago Bernabeu in a game they should’ve comfortably won but made it difficult for themselves.

Rodrygo getting benched paved the way for Arda Guler, who put on a stupendous display, netting 1 goal and recording an assist along with 3 key passes.  Resting the Brazilian was perhaps the right call, and the Young Turk made the most of this opportunity and has cemented his place in the starting lineup for the remaining 4 matches.

For today’s El Clasico, Real Madrid is expected to have a weakened defense, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio expected to partner up behind. In particular, the Spaniard’s presence will be of utmost importance since Los Blancos conceded twice after he went off.

He has been a mainstay in defense in Antonio Rudiger’s absence and will continue his role. Meanwhile, the right-back position is something Carlo Ancelotti could ponder upon and shift Fede Valverde in that position – this would also keep the midfield stacked.

Speaking of midfield, Jude Bellingham knows a thing or two about playing at FC Barcelona’s home ground, since he scored a brace to help the Merengues to a 1-2 victory.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler celebrates after scoring against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe will look to continue his streak as the big match player for the Vikings this season and hopes to jump ahead of Robert Lewandowski in the Pichichi race. The Frenchman has scored 24 goals while the Polish striker has netted just one more than him.

On the other hand, the home side FC Barcelona will be coming off an intense game and a heartbreaking knockout against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final. Even in their previous league game against last-placed Real Valladolid, they had to come back from behind to secure the three points and remain in the title race.

This fixture is nothing less than a final. A win here for Barcelona would put them 7 points ahead of their rivals with just 3 games to go, whereas, for Los Blancos, a win here would mean they would be 1 point behind the Blaugrana and would have to hope that they drop a point in either of their last three fixtures.

Barcelona has had the upper hand against Carlo Ancelotti this season, with an overall score of 12-4 in 3 matches, including the Spanish Super Cup and Copa Del Rey finals.

Even though the 5-time European Champions might be low on morale, they can look back at their earlier performances against the men in white and seek inspiration.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are the most in-form duo in Europe this season, and they also enjoy good form against Los Blancos this season, with the Brazilian having scored thrice and assisting twice, and the Spaniard netting 2 goals and recording 2 assists.  Not only that duo, but the Barcelona attack will look to take advantage of playing at home and a vulnerable defense.

To sum it up, it’s all to play for at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, where Real Madrid looks to restore their pride and remain in the title race, while the Blaugrana will be eager to put the race to bed with three matches to go.