Real Madrid and Barcelona will play each other today (Saturday) in the first El Clasico match of the 2024/25 La Liga season.
Los Blancos and the Blaugranes are two great rivals who will today look for the three points in the first act of El Clasico of the season, in a match that is expected to be fiery due to the high form of the two teams at the beginning of the season.
Injuries have hit Real Madrid as Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes are out for the next two to three weeks.
Andriy Lunin will take over the goalkeeping duties in Courtois’ absence.
Rodrygo’s absence could prompt a tactical change, with Jude Bellingham likely to operate behind the attacking duo of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Brahim Diaz could return to the squad, providing a dynamic option off the bench. However, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal will miss out along with Courtois and Rodrygo.
Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo and Gavi have regained fitness after previous setbacks, but could all start from the bench for the El Clasico clash.
Marc Casado has received special praise from Hansi Flick for his performances this season and he is likely to continue in midfield alongside Pedrito and Fermin Lopez, who provided two assists against Bayern, operating as a number 10.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 42 matches in La Liga. Barcelona have won 13 of their last 14 matches in La Liga. Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in 16 of their last 17 La Liga games.
In the last 10 matches between themselves in all competitions, both teams have 5 wins each.
