Real Madrid hosts FC Barcelona this Sunday (4:15 p.m.) for a new Clasico in La Liga. Find out everything you need to know about this weekend’s European football clash.
Real or Barça, who is favorite?
If we had to get wet, we would lean towards Real Madrid. But as almost every time, this Clasico promises to be undecided, and the elements at our disposal do not allow us to establish a clear favorite. Certainly, Real have won 11 of the 12 matches they have played this season, but their only defeat was scathing… and above all took place in a high-stakes shock, the derby at Atlético de Madrid on September 27 (5-2).
In Barcelona, there were notable victories against Valencia (6-0 on September 14) or Olympiakos in the Champions League last Tuesday (6-1). But also cracks, like against a diminished PSG (1-2 on 1is October) and in Seville (4-1 on October 5). Overall, Barça is traveling poorly this season, and they will have to cope in Madrid without their coach Hansi Flick, suspended, and Gavi, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, injured. However, recent history speaks for itself.
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Who won the last Clasicos?
This is where the problem lies for Real Madrid. The four Clasicos last season went in favor of the Catalans, including a thunderous victory at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium exactly a year ago (0-4) and the Cup (3-2) and Spanish Super Cup finals (5-2). Last May, Barça won again (4-2) to unofficially seal the title race in La Liga.
SEE ALSO – Jules Koundé’s winning goal against Barça-Real in the Copa del Rey final last April (3-2)
What is the situation in the ranking?
Real is leader of the Spanish championship after nine days with 24 points. Barça is on its heels (22 pts) with a better goal difference (+14 against +11). Villarreal, Atlético and Real Betis are lurking behind. Only a victory for the Blaugranas would prevent the Merengue from spending the weekend at the top of La Liga.
Koundé, Mbappé, Tchouameni… Which French people will start?
The tenure of Kylian Mbappé to lead the Madrid attack is beyond doubt. The same goes for midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni who started 11 of the 12 matches with his club this season. Eduardo Camavinga should be a replacement. Ferland Mendy, operated on for a muscle rupture in his right thigh six months ago, returned to the bench against Juventus on Wednesday. It is unlikely that he will start his season in such a dangerous match.
Finally, Jules Koundé did not participate in FC Barcelona’s collective training on Friday, two days before the Clasico. According to The Teamthe right side of the Blues suffers from a blow received against Olympiakos on Tuesday. The tenure of the vice-world champion is de facto very uncertain.
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Will arbitration still be at the heart of controversies?
It was nothing new, but in recent years, and especially last season, Barça and Real have done well in this schoolyard squabble over arbitration issues. The two clubs constantly believe they are disadvantaged, during the Clasico but not only that. Real sent a letter to La Liga last February, demanding a “structural reform” of a system “corrupt” et “fraudulent”.
“They lost their minds”replied Javier Tebas, president of La Liga who filed a complaint against the Madrid club. In April, before refereeing the Copa del Rey final between Barça and Real, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea burst into tears during a press conference: “When your child comes home from school crying because they are told that their father is a thief, it’s really hard.” It is likely that, regardless of the scenario of the meeting, both clubs will find fault with the decisions that will be taken.
