5 players who could play a key role in El Clasico

Barcelona vs Real Madrid remains one of the biggest clashes in world football. A fixture filled with some legendary moments that has seen some of the world's greatest legends go head-to-head against one another, there are few other games which incite the level of excitement as Spain's El Clasico.

On Sunday night, the two European heavyweights will go against each other for the second time this season as Real Madrid host their bitter rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With just two points separating league leaders Barcelona from their opponents this weekend at the top of the table, this game promises to be a high-octane and exciting battle between the two most historic clubs in Spain. With such fine margins, a win or loss in this game could well decide who will be crowned the champions of Spain at the end of this season.

In this article, we take a look at five players who could be key to their respective teams in this much-awaited game.

---

#5 Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos

Most recently, Sergio Ramos was sent off in the Champions League first-leg against Manchester City, and he will be missing the second leg. However, the Spanish international is a man for the big occasions and has stepped up during clutch moments more than any other defender this century, so he will be relishing the challenge of stopping Barcelona at the Bernabeu.

The Catalan club has been looking more potent in front of goal recently, and they will be looking for all three points on Sunday. Ramos is always a threat both at the back and offensively, and the home fans will be looking at their captain to have a great game as his team hopes to regain the LaLiga title this year.

#4 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Safe hands

A case can be made that Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is the best goalkeeper in the world right now. Alongside Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak, the German international has been one of the world's premier shot-stoppers over the past three seasons, and his consistency in guarding his goal has helped Barcelona more times than they can count.

The Catalan club will be playing away from home in a hostile environment at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the onus is on the trailing Real Madrid to pick up all three points here. As such, the visitors can expect a barrage of attacks and more often than not, it is their world-class goalkeeper who has come to their aid when most needed.

Ter Stegen has proved his mettle on multiple occasions this season in both LaLiga and the Champions League - he needs to be at his best again on Sunday. With usual starting fullbacks Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto most likely ruled out for this match, there is no doubt that Real Madrid will attack the goal more and have the most chances. As such, Barcelona will be hoping for another masterclass by their goalkeeper to come out with at least a point.

---

#3 Casemiro

Casemiro has been Madrid's best midfielder this season

After a horrid campaign last season by his standards, Casemiro has found his game again and has re-established himself as the world's best defensive midfielder. You could even argue that no Real Madrid player has been as consistent and effective as the Brazilian this season for the Los Blancos.

In the first clash this season between these two teams at Camp Nou, it was Federico Valverde who shined bright in Real's midfield. However, Barcelona will no doubt have learned from that game, and have a new manager in charge now - Quique Setién, who loves to see his team pass the ball and create chances in the final third, leading to goals.

Barcelona will probably have the majority of the possession in Sunday's game, but it all comes down to the final pass, which could be Real Madrid's undoing. As such, Casemiro's positioning sense and his tackling prowess could be key for Madrid in winning this game. The midfielder averages 3.4 tackles and 2 interceptions and clearances per game, and should he be at his best this match, Barca will have a hard time getting the ball into the box.

#2 Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema

Unfortunately for Real Madrid fans, Eden Hazard has not worked out as well as the club hoped this season. The Belgian international will also miss this game due to an injury. During his absence and his inconsistency, the ever-reliant Karim Benzema has stepped up and taken charge in front of goal for his club.

With 18 goals this season, the French international has been Real Madrid's premium attacking threat, and he has been their most consistent player since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema is often a man for the big occasion, and with his club desperately needing a win in this game, all eyes will be on the striker.

However, Benzema only has one league goal since December - the winner against Atletico Madrid. If there was ever a time to get a goal, this would be it. With a potential six-point swing on the line, Real Madrid's number 9 has a big role to play this Sunday.

---

#1 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi

This one is a no-brainer. With 26 goals in the El Clasico, no player has impacted this fixture more than Barcelona's captain, Lionel Messi. The legendary forward scored four goals in his last LaLiga outing and leads the league in both goals scored and assists made - if any Barcelona player can decide the game this Sunday, it is the little magician.

Messi loves to play at the Santiago Bernabeu and has had some legendary moments there. Most recently, the Argentine superstar netted a stoppage-time winner in front of thousands of shocked Madrid fans a few years ago as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-3. His brace in the Champions League almost a decade ago remains one of the all-time great individual performances at the Bernabeu.

Almost every Barcelona attack goes through Messi, and the best player in the world will be looking to get his team all three points as they march towards yet another LaLiga title.