El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid - 5 talking points before the kick-off

#1 Barcelona has been consistent under Ernesto Valverde this season

Barcelona has been splendid under Ernesto Valverde

The La Liga points table clearly reflects how these two teams have been playing this season. The Blaugranas have lost just 6 points out of possible 48 and are seated comfortably at the top of the table. On the other hand, Real Madrid have suffered two unexpected losses, drew four and are slaundering in the fourth position.

While Real Madrid have seen many problems hampering their overall quality of play, Barcelona have been brilliant and consistent this season. Obviously Lionel Messi has been the main man for Barcelona and he has been well supported by Iniesta, Jordi Alba, Paulinho and others. Coming to Paulinho, he has added a new dimension in Barcelona's style of play. He is an excellent box-to-box midfielder and has already silenced his critics by scoring 6 goals in the league this season.

Lionel Messi has been the best player in the history of El Clasico. He has scored 16 goals in this mega-match and 8 of them came in the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid players will hope that Messi has a rare bad day at the office on 23rd December, otherwise he can prove to be the deciding factor in the game.

Adding to Barcelona's advantages, Luis Suarez has regained his form. The Uruguayan striker has scored 5 goals in his last 6 games. He has also been a problem for Real Madrid defence for the past three seasons. Everyone remembers his brace when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 4-0 a couple of seasons back.