El Clasico – A game which will always be more than just football and never limited to matters between 22 players on the field. Its social and political differences set this derby apart from the others and the world will stand still tonight when Real Madrid and FC Barcelona lock horns in the latest edition of the "El Clasico" - the biggest club fixture in world football.
This game is set to have huge repercussions on the La Liga race as a Real Madrid win will take them six points ahead of the Catalans with a game in hand. A draw will leave things as they are whereas a Barcelona win will truly kick-start the Liga race.
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Also read: La Liga 2016/17: Real Madrid vs Barcelona - El Clasico Quiz
Barcelona go into this game with the hopes of regaining their lost touch. Both teams come into this match with different mindsets as Real Madrid are on cloud nine after beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League whereas Barcelona are reeling after being knocked out by Juventus.
Form guide
The Los Blancos avoided defeat against their eternal rivals in the past two meetings with the last encounter between the two ending with Sergio Ramos scoring an injury time equaliser.
Goals are guaranteed in this fixture as Real Madrid have scored in 43 consecutive league games whereas FC Barcelona have scored in their last 22 Clasicos. Despite Barcelona being criticised for their leaky defence, they have kept seven clean sheets in their last 22 games whereas Real Madrid have kept just three in the same number of matches.
Real Madrid: W-W-W-D-W
FC Barcelona: D-W-L-L-W
Team news
Neymar has been ruled out of the fixture. While Barcelona had appealed to the higher authorities in an attempt to overturn his ban, they released a statement earlier today confirming that the Brazilian would take no part in the Clasico. Jeremy Mathieu too is out of contention whereas Arda Turan is expected to be on the bench.
For the hosts, Gareth Bale returned to training this week in what is a big boost for Zinedine Zidane and his troops. Whether the manager decides to drop the in-form Isco for the Welshman remains to be seen. Pepe and Raphael Varane are still out for Real Madrid as they prepare to line up in their conventional 4-3-3.
Head-to-Head
These two superpowers of world football have played against one another 233 times. Real Madrid have won 93 times while FC Barcelona have clinched the encounter on 91 occasions. Spoils have been shared in the remaining 49 games.
In their last 13 visits to the Bernabeu, the Catalans have won seven, drawn three and lost three.
Match info
Timing - 12.15 IST
Venue - Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Referee - Alejandro Hernandez
How to watch it - Live on Sony Six and Ten network. Live commentary available on Sportskeeda.com
Predicted lineups
Real Madrid: Navas, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Carvajal, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale.
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Umtiti, Pique, Sergi Roberto, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Suarez, Messi, Paco Alcacer.
Predicted score
Real Madrid 1-2 FC Barcelona
