In what promises to be a thrilling clash, FC Barcelona prepares to take on Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico, scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 19:00 UTC at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
Fresh off a string of commanding performances—most notably a recent victory over Bayern Munich—Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enters the fixture with momentum, aiming to further solidify their position at the top of the La Liga table.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, boasting a formidable lineup featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde, stands ready to defend their home turf in what will be one of the most anticipated battles of the season.
While Barcelona arrives with confidence from recent wins against Bayern and Sevilla, they still face the challenge of Madrid’s imposing unbeaten streak.
Ancelotti’s side is currently on a remarkable 42-game unbeaten run in La Liga—a record they could equalize with a win against Barcelona, who set the record at 43 games.
For the Catalan giants, this match offers a golden opportunity to preserve their record while continuing their dominance this season.
FC Barcelona team news
Barcelona’s squad has largely regrouped after the international break, with key players like Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez rejoining the team.
These returns add depth and variety to Flick’s tactical options, even as a few notable absences remain.
Defensive anchor Ronald Araujo, forward Ferran Torres, and versatile ace Andreas Christensen are all ruled out, while long-term injuries continue to sideline first-choice goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal.
Eric Garcia’s potential return is a significant boost for Barcelona. Though his starting position looks uncertain with Pedri and Casado anchoring the midfield, Garcia’s experience could add strategic depth to the squad, particularly if the game demands more defensive resilience.
Flick may well rely on Garcia as an adaptable option, especially with Real Madrid’s high-paced forward line.
Predicted FC Barcelona lineup: 4-2-1-3 formation
Inaki Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Fermin; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid also enters the match with notable absentees that could influence the game.
With their elite goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and winger Rodrygo sidelined, Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to Andriy Lunin to hold down the fort in goal, while Eduardo Camavinga steps up on the wing to cover Rodrygo’s usual role.
The flexibility of Madrid’s lineup gives them options, though the absence of these two key players could impact the game’s flow.
A potential X-factor for Madrid is the return of Brahim Diaz. Having shown flashes of brilliance in recent matches before his injury, the young talent could add an extra layer of creativity and unpredictability against Barcelona.
His availability provides Ancelotti with tactical options, especially if Madrid’s attack needs a boost late in the game.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup: 4-3-1-2 formation
Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinícius, Mbappé.
With these lineups, both sides are set for a closely fought encounter that may hinge on tactical versatility and squad depth.
As the stage is set at the Bernabéu, fans worldwide anticipate a clash worthy of El Clasico’s storied legacy.
