This is the meeting that all of Spain is waiting for. FC Barcelona welcomes Real Madrid this Sunday at 9 p.m. at Camp Nou for a Clasico which could already weigh heavily in the title race. The Blaugranas will want to take advantage of home advantage to gain the upper hand over their historic rival, while the Merengues will look to leave Catalonia with a positive result to move up the standings. For this poster of the 10th day of La Liga, Barça should rely on Joan García in goals. In front of him, Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and João Cancelo are expected to compose the defense. A rearguard who will have to be vigilant against Madrid’s offensive power, even in the absence of Vinicius Jr, suspended for this meeting.
In the midfield, FC Barcelona should rely on a trio composed of Rodri, Pedri and Fermín López. The technical mastery and ability of these three players to circulate the ball will be essential to impose the rhythm of the Catalans. Up front, Lamine Yamal should occupy the right side, with Raphinha on the left flank and Anthony Gordon up front. The young Spanish international will be particularly expected on the eve of the big Ballon d’Or ceremony in London where he is one of the credible candidates. Faced with a Madrid team capable of projecting quickly forward, Hansi Flick’s men will also have to be careful not to discover themselves and to maintain sufficient collective balance.
Three French people expected in the Madrid eleven
For Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois was announced as the starter but a last minute injury changed Madrid’s plans. It will therefore be Andriy Lunin who will guard the cages, with a defense made up of Federico Valverde, Ibrahima Konaté, Antonio Rüdiger and Marc Cucurella. The combination of Konaté and Rüdiger in the center would bring physical power and aggression in duels, while Valverde could be used in his unusual new role on the right side of the defense. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham are announced as starters. The trio will have to respond to the intensity of the Barcelona environment and prevent Pedri from dictating the game.
On the attacking front, Arda Güler should be aligned alongside Kylian Mbappé and Diomandé. The French international will be one of Madrid’s main offensive threats and will be responsible for weighing on the Catalan defense in a match that is always special for both clubs. The absence of Vinicius Jr, suspended, should modify the offensive habits of Real Madrid, who will have to find other solutions to make the difference in the final meters. With Mbappé at the forefront and Güler in creation, José Mourinho’s men nevertheless have several options to put Barça in difficulty. The Portuguese technician, back on the Madrid bench, will return to the Camp Nou for a particularly anticipated Clasico.
