Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Preview, predictions & lineups
- Real Madrid host Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday night
- Barcelona need to win to keep La Liga title hopes alive
- Two clubs endured differing Champions League fortunes in midweek
Spain's supreme rivalry reignites yet again on Sunday as Real Madrid play host to Barcelona in El Clasico.
It's a contest that's certainly lost some of its allure from the Pep Guardiola-Jose Mourinho era, but there are hints that the great fixture could once again emerge at the forefront of European football.
A big Clasico awaits this weekend with Barcelona needing all three points to preserve their La Liga title hopes. Barca have recovered impressively since Xavi's announcement regarding his future, but their deficit to league leaders Madrid is still eight points. Carlo Ancelotti's men have continued to chip away at the summit.
The two sides endured mixed fortunes in Europe heading into this one. A resilient Madrid went the distance with Manchester City and progressed into the semi-finals of the Champions League on penalties. Barcelona, on the contrary, collapsed against Paris Saint-Germain, losing 4-1 on home soil after Ronald Araujo was sent off in the first half.
Having prevailed in the 'modern Clasico' on Wednesday night, Madrid will know they can all but seal the title with a victory over their fiercest rivals.
Here's 90min's preview of Sunday's Clasico.
What time does Real Madrid vs Barcelona kick-off?
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
- Date: Sunday 21 April
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Cesar Soto Grado
- VAR: Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez
Real Madrid vs Barcelona H2H record (Last Five Games)
- Real Madrid: 3 wins
- Barcelona: 2 wins
- Draws: 0
Current form (all competitions)
Real Madrid | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Man City 1-1 (3-4p) Real Madrid - 17/04/24 | Barcelona 1-4 PSG - 16/04/24 |
Mallorca 0-1 Real Madrid - 13/04/24 | Cadiz 0-1 Barcelona - 13/04/24 |
Real Madrid 3-3 Man City - 09/04/24 | PSG 2-3 Barcelona - 10/04/24 |
Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Club - 31/03/24 | Barcelona 1-0 Las Palmas - 30/03/24 |
Osasuna 2-4 Real Madrid - 16/03/24 | Atletico Madrid 0-3 Barcelona - 17/03/24 |
How to watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | LaLigaTV, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player |
United States | ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
Canada | RDS 2, TSN4, TSN3, TSN+, RDS App |
Real Madrid team news
Ancelotti's squad have had one day fewer to recover for Sunday's action, and there are concerns over the statuses of Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal. However, both players are expected to start.
Aurelien Tchouameni should come back into the side after he missed the trip to City through suspension. He could replace compatriot Eduardo Camavinga at the base of midfield. Eder Militao could also make his first start since August having enjoyed a couple of cameos since returning from an ACL tear.
Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba remain out.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barca (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy; Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona are as healthy as they've been all season, with Xavi only without long-term absentees Gavi and Alejandro Balde. The two young Spaniards will return to action later this year.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will flank Robert Lewandowski in the frontline, while an aggressive midfield of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Ilkay Gundogan is likely to be deployed once again.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
Barca predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona score prediction
This fixture bears some resemblance to last season's La Liga Clasico in Catalonia. Barcelona hosted Real Madrid in March knowing that anything but a defeat would likely result in the title - they won 2-1 and went on to win the league at a canter.
Xavi's side had appeared balanced and mature before Tuesday's clash with PSG, where they allowed a tie they were in complete control of to get away from them.
There will be plenty of ill-feeling heading into Sunday's Clasico as a result, although they'll be facing a Madrid side that defended with the utmost resilience for 120 minutes in midweek. It's going to take a huge effort from the hosts to get over the line on Sunday, but they'll have the added motivation of knowing that a win this weekend all but seals the title.
Los Blancos will find a way.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
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