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It is that time of the year again, the time when the world stands still for 90 minutes. It's time for the two biggest clubs in Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona, to go head-to-head to add a new chapter to their storied rivalry.
Spain's top dogs may have lost their Ballon d’Or greats over the years, but the tension is just as palpable and one can still cut the anticipation with a knife.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will make the trip to Barcelona’s Camp Nou for the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday afternoon. Having played eight La Liga matches each, Real Madrid have accumulated 17 points while Barcelona have picked up 15.
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While a win for the hosts would take them above their arch-rivals, a victory for the visitors would see them open up a five-point lead between the two.
Today, we will take Real Madrid and Barcelona’s current form, injury history, and trends into consideration and tell you what to expect this Sunday.
Now, without further ado, here are our top five predictions for this season’s first El Clasico.
#5 A cagey first half could be in the books
Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most respected names in Europe. However, neither team have managed to live up to their billing this season. Both giants have endured embarrassing defeats in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, and are desperate to prove their mettle.
On Sunday, they have the perfect opportunity to impress the fans and renew their excitement for what’s to come.
Neither team would want to take the pressure of going behind early on, which is why we could see a rather calculative approach from both.
The match should light up in the final half an hour, but the opening exchanges might not be as exciting as we would like.
#4 Real Madrid to win the midfield battle
Barcelona and Real Madrid have plenty of talent in the middle of the park. However, on closer inspection, we cannot help but rule in Real Madrid’s favor.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric’s return to form will boost Real Madrid’s confidence in El Clasico. Real Madrid also have the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde at their disposal, which allows Ancelotti to experiment a little.
Barcelona, too, have plenty of talent in midfield. However, Ronald Koeman has not yet figured out the winning formula.
Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong could turn the tables in their side's favor, but we will not bet on the Barcelona duo on Sunday.
#3 Ansu Fati and Vinicius Jr. embark upon a new rivalry
For close to a decade, Real Madrid and Barcelona had the privilege of fielding the two greatest players of this generation. Cristiano Ronaldo was the first to move out of La Liga back in 2018. Lionel Messi had no intention of leaving the Blaugrana, but he ultimately joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer.
On Sunday, Real Madrid and Barcelona will mark the beginning of a new era, an era without the genius of Messi or Ronaldo. Thankfully, both La Liga outfits have a couple of world-class youngsters in their ranks and we expect them to make a telling impact on Sunday.
Vinicius Jr has been in fine form for Real Madrid this season, registering seven goals and five assists in 11 matches across all competitions.
Ansu Fati, on the other hand, had to overcome a potentially career-ending injury. Since returning, Fati has scored twice and assisted once in three La Liga matches, which is more than promising.
This Sunday we are betting on Fati and Vinicius to lead the charge.
#2 Karim Benzema and Memphis Depay to get on the scoresheet
La Liga top-goal scorer Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid’s knight in shining armor this season. He has registered nine goals and seven assists in eight La Liga appearances this season, marking his best-ever start to a league campaign.
Barcelona's Memphis Depay has not been nearly as prolific as the Frenchman, but he, too, has a knack for scoring important goals. Considering the quality of creators Real Madrid and Barcelona have, there will be no shortage of goalscoring opportunities.
We expect both forwards to hit the back of the net at least once over the course of the match.
#1 Season’s first El Clasico to end in a draw
El Clasicos have always been an unpredictable affair. With so many world-beaters on the pitch, it is almost impossible to predict the outcome. However, if we were to take a calculated guess, we would have to call this one a stalemate, albeit an exciting one.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have plenty of firepower up top, although it is the visitors who have the advantage thanks to their in-form no. 9. Benzema and Vinicius Jr could put Real ahead, but Los Blancos’ lackluster defense might not be able to keep Barcelona at bay.
Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti won only one of his four La Liga El Clasicos in his first spell as Real Madrid boss.
Considering Real Madrid's considerably depleted squad, we do not expect Carlo to get his first win at the Camp Nou this Sunday.
