Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 5 players apart from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who could decide El Clasico

Karim Benzema – Real Madrid

Still alive: Karim Benzema

Barcelona’s defence has been in shambles of late and with Sergio Busquets suffering from multiple injuries this season, they haven’t had the kind of protection to keep their side in the game. Conceding five goals against Paris Saint-Germain across two legs and then three more against Juventus only in the first leg means the club lack confidence at the back.

Jeremy Mathieu, Javier Mascherano, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba have all been in poor veins of form this season and come the El Clasico, will be up against one of the most in-form attacking units in all of Europe, even without the mercurial Gareth Bale.

Benzema has been superb again despite what the critics and fans believe. With 17 goals and seven assists in all competitions, the Frenchman has the knack of scoring against Barcelona when it really matters and this time, he might call upon those strengths again.