Clasico day. At the top of La Liga after 10 days, Real Madrid travels to FC Barcelona, third, a short distance from their rival. If this clash should not constitute a turning point in terms of the title, this confrontation nevertheless remains an opportunity for the two Spanish leaders to strike a big blow and make an impression. Held in check by Sevilla FC for its last outing in the league (1-1), the Merengues remain, moreover, with a victory against Sporting Braga (2-1), in the Champions League, thanks to two achievements signed Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham.
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J
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DIF
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For its part, Barça, still undefeated since the restart, intends to continue its flawless performance at home. After seven victories in seven matches in all competitions in their lair, the Blaugranas – winners of Shakhtar Donetsk (2-1) thanks to two goals from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez in the middle of the week – could also take advantage of this duel to pass in front of their opponent of the day. For this meeting, however, Xavi could have to do without several executives, uncertain a few hours before kick-off. Thus, Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are not announced as starters, unlike Lewandowski.
Major absences at Barça, left side Ferland Mendy?
From then on, the Catalan technician should opt for a sort of 4-4-2 where Marc-André Ter Stegen is logically expected to start in the cages. In defense, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez and Alejandro Balde could be associated. In the midfield, Gavi would accompany İlkay Gündoğan, while the young Fermin Lopez would take his place on the right and Joao Cancelo on the left. Finally, on the attacking front, the unstoppable Joao Félix is announced as the starter with the last minute returner: Robert Lewandowski, leaving Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal on the bench.
Opposite, Carlo Ancelotti will have to compose without Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Güler and Dani Ceballos. Deprived of the latter, the Italian coach, nicknamed Mister, could then trust his traditional 4-3-1-2. In front of Kepa, present in the Madrid cages, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, in a full-back role, are expected. In midfield, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Toni Kroos should, for their part, be associated, to the detriment of Eduardo Camavinga. Finally, Jude Bellingham, dazzling since the start of the season, will be responsible for supporting an attacking duo made up of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Now it’s time for the show!
