FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other this Sunday at 4:15 PM, a match corresponding to the 34th round of the EA Sports League. It will be the fourth time they meet this year, after the first leg and the finals of the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey (all won by the culés). The match, which takes place in Montjuïc, can be watched on Movistar + and the minute-by-minute through our social media @carpetasblaugranas
The main referee will be Alejandro Hernández Hernández and in the VAR will be Juan Martínez Munuera. The referee born in Las Palmas will officiate his fifth Clásico in his career, in which there have been two victories for Barça, one draw, and one victory for Madrid. This season he has refereed the white team on 3 occasions, while with Flick's team he has only coincided once.
How Barça arrives
The blaugrana team arrives at this match after tragically losing the ticket to the Champions League final against Inter Milan. A goal in extra time by Frattesi woke them from the dream of a new treble, after having managed to come back from a 2-0 in the second half. This emotional 'blow' also affects them physically, as their rival arrives much more rested and with the motivation to win the only title at stake.
Flick commented in a press conference that he doesn't know how the match against Madrid will be, but he hopes to take advantage of the home advantage. Regarding his philosophy and vision of the game, he admits that at first there were doubts, but the team adapted and improved a lot. There was also room for humor, as he stated that 'Tek' sometimes smokes because "he's like that" and that he surely wants to stay.
Regarding the XI that the German will field, it will be very similar to the one that lost on Tuesday, except for a doubt that the former Bayern coach might have in the '9' position. The good news is that both Casadó and Balde have received medical clearance, so they will be included in the squad. Regarding those at risk of suspension, Barça has 4 players in danger of missing the next match: Gavi, Iñigo Martínez, Raphinha, and Jules Koundé.
How Real Madrid arrives
Carlo Ancelotti's team comes to this match with a full week of rest, after having defeated Celta in their last commitment. While it's true that they were close to drawing against Giráldez's team, they managed to keep the result and stay alive in the League. It's the only title they could win this year, although a victory wouldn't lift them to the first place, but it would reduce the gap to just one point behind.
The Italian coach commented in a press conference that he sees his team motivated because although he sees it difficult to win the League, they must win tomorrow. Regarding set pieces, he believes they have improved in defending them and in attacking because they have good shooters. Finally, he was asked about Xabi Alonso and what his departure from Bayer Leverkusen could cause, to which he replied that he has the doors open.
Regarding the possible XI, there are several doubts both in the formation Carlo will choose and who will occupy the right-back position. It's clear that Asencio will pair with Tchouameni and Fran García as left-back, however, in the right-back position there are two options. Up front, it's expected that Vinícius + Mbappé will play, to play in the middle with 3 midfielders (Ceballos, Modric, Arda Güler) and Belligham as a link.
Match keys
Emotional factor: falling in a Champions League semifinal usually affects emotionally, but if you fall when you had achieved the most difficult, it hurts more. Barça must prove why they have been the best in this League and seal it with a victory that would take them 7 points ahead. This squad has shown that they don't crumble and that they can come back from an adverse score, no matter who the opponent is.
Fight for the pichichi: both Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe are immersed in the fight to be the top scorer of the championship. They are only separated by one goal in favor of the Pole, although it will be the Frenchman who starts as a starter, as the former Dortmund player is not 100% recovered. While the white '9' started poorly, he already surpasses thirty goals in his first year, while the Pole is having his best season as a culé.
Arda Guler, the great underrated: the Turkish player has had fewer minutes than he perhaps deserves. Ancelotti is repeating last year's formula, the former Fenerbahce player has returned to the starting line-up, scoring two goals in the last two rounds. He is becoming the 'merengue' midfield's helm, his inside runs and ability to shoot make him a real threat.
High pressure: one of the basic characteristics of Flick's team is high pressure, seeking the opponent's mistake in their own field. In previous matches, Madrid has had many difficulties overcoming that first line, hence they have conceded 12 goals. If Barça performs coordinated pressure, they will create many chances, as they are one of the highest-scoring teams in Europe.