Matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid are always enormously significant, regardless of the underpinning circumstances heading into the game. But Saturday’s at the Camp Nou feels particularly pertinent, even in the anthology of iconic contests we’ve witnessed between the two.
Indeed, it’s been rare for Barcelona to enter this fixture in a lull of form in recent years. Manager Luis Enrique branded their slapdash effort against Real Sociedad in the 1-1 draw last weekend as the “worst game” since he took over the post in 2014. With six points between them and league leaders Real, it’s clear some serious improvement is needed.
By contrast, this is a game in which Los Blancos can make a major statement. In recent meetings between the two sides it has been rare for Madrid to be in such a strong position and not since their last La Liga triumph, in 2011-12, have they been in a position to deliver what is potentially a telling blow in the race for the title. This is a tremendous chance to do so.
Real, of course, won this fixture last term, coming from behind to snatch a late victory through Cristiano Ronaldo and breathing life back into their title challenge. It was a win that tipped Barca into a poor run of form that almost cost them the La Liga they clinched in 2015-16.
If Los Blancos are to repeat that trick, it’ll be without some key men. With no Gareth Bale and no Toni Kroos, Zidane will need to call on all of his tactical acumen to create a winning formula. There are also big doubts over the fitness of Pepe, Raphael Varane and Casemiro too.
Barcelona’s only major absentee is likely to be Jordi Alba by contrast and Enrique, as such, will be relying on key individuals to make their mark in this one. Far too frequently this season they’ve relied on Lionel Messi to pull them out of the mire and this is a chance for another Clasico hero to emerge.
Where and when to watch the game:
Date: Sunday, April 23
Time: 2:45pm ET
US TV: beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español
US streaming: fuboTV (free 7-day trial)
UK TV and streaming: Game is blacked out.
Barcelona
Having spent the summer bolstering the squad with some exciting young acquisitions, there looked to be more depth to so many different areas of the Barcelona team this season. But the Blaugrana have been dependant on the same familiar faces 2016-17.
It’s something epitomized by the struggles of the side since Andres Iniesta has been sidelined with injury. Since he hobbled off against Valencia in late October, Barcelona have only won three of their seven games played. Thankfully for Cules across the globe, the majestic midfielder is set to return this weekend.
Barcelona will play 4312 with Messi at the one to match and overwork Madrid midfield. Iniesta and MSN will be only attackers. Rakitic will join when the pressure pushes Madrid back. Sergio R. will line up with Busquests.
Modric determines this game for Madrid along with Marcelo. if Marcelo is not made to work on defense, he will kill Barca. Madrid is vulnerable
If barca will play match with 4-3-1-2 formation and suarez at back and messi and neymar as a atacker…….it will be the helpfull for the barca…….madrid have not the fair play gmae like barca…….mardid have solo game like ronaldo……..like condition barca will beat real madrid with 3-1 or 2-0….or 4-1……messi will score 2 or 1 goal and suarez neymar will score 2 jointly goals…….on another side inesta and rakitic will help full for the barca at mid…….if barca will play cilliesen it will good……isco and benezema will be the key of real madrid and ramos as a defender……….barca will win……90/ per chance to win……
Barca will win that game 4 0
No goal. To mean Barca 0 : 0 Madrid
barca gonna have a hard chance to win,but at least messi gonna score the only goal in the match. 1-0
Great barca! With MSN,the will be concluded 3-1 against Madrid
dreams and statements are not taxable
Can’t wait till April 23rd!!
cr7 win2 and asencio1 real madrid we will win 3-0 on 23,12,2017
every days we’re the winer
no result untill april 23rd.
Real Madrid, the most successful team in the history of European club football, is going to win surely today. No doubt about that. Barca have footballers but Madrid have magicians and game changers.
We madristers depend on nobody except god and he is our helper
We will finish barca 2day by god grace%
Comment Text*the match will end up 0-0
Glad to see Barca brutally violating and punishing Real at the Bernabeu once again, to ensure there’s only winner of La Liga this season.
Real players crowding the ref every 5 minutrs asking for a penalty, lol. “We are Real, every game starts 1:0 Real courtesy of another dubious penalty! Where is our penalty today?” Lol
What a disgusting bunch they are!
Comment Text* Up Up Barca, Barcelona Is The Best Team In The Would