It’s time for the first Clásico of the season, with Barcelona hosting Real Madrid on Sunday night (Oct. 25, 10:00 p.m.) at Camp Nou in one of the most prestigious derbies in the world.
The “Blaugrana” suffered their first loss of the season, a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in France in the Champions League. However, in La Liga, they have nine wins in as many matches, having accumulated 27 points, and lead the La Liga standings. The Spanish champions have tied Real Madrid’s historic record from the 1968–69 season and are looking to, against their archrival, to go 10-for-10, making history and extending their lead over the Madrid side to nine points.
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On the other side, the “Queen” is under pressure, as with 21 points they sit in 3rd place, trailing both the Catalans and Atlético Madrid. The 4-1 victory over Leipzig in the Champions League gave José Mourinho’s team a psychological boost, and they’ll now need to show character in what has been their most challenging match of the season so far. A positive result in Barcelona will keep them close to the top, while also sending the “message” that they’re in it for the title, while a loss would widen the gap even further from Hansi Flick’s team, which has dominated domestic competitions in recent years.
The German coach must deal with key absences, as Dani Olmo suffered a hamstring injury in the match against Paris and is expected to be sidelined for about a month. Eric García is also out, as he is dealing with a right thigh injury, with his estimated recovery time set at three to four weeks. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen is dealing with a thigh injury, while the availability of Gilles Coude remains in doubt due to a sprained left ankle, and a last-minute decision will determine whether he can play in the Clásico.
Real Madrid is also dealing with absences, as they will be without Vinícius, who is suspended following his red card against Villarreal and will return for the Champions League match against AEK in Nea Filadelfia. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Raúl Asensio have been sidelined for quite some time, with Mourinho returning to Camp Nou as Real Madrid’s coach for the first time since January 2013, when the “Queen” secured a 3-1 victory in the second semifinal of the Copa del Rey. The Portuguese coach is under immense pressure to secure a positive result, which would allow Real Madrid to get back on track and re-enter the title race with renewed vigor.
All of this takes on even greater significance, as El Clásico is taking place just one day before the Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for Monday, October 26, in London. Two of the favorites for the award for the world’s best player, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, are the key players, and all eyes will undoubtedly be on them in the first derby between the two teams this season.
Possible starting lineups:
Barcelona (Hansi Flick): Garcia, Espar, Kubarsi, Martin, Cancelo, Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Gordon, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha.
Real Madrid (José Mourinho): Courtois, Dumfries, Konaté, Hausen, Cucurella, Tchouaméni, Güler, Valverde, Bellingham, Diomandé, Mbappé.
*photo source: AP
