All eyes around world on exciting Real Madrid-Barcelona thriller
On Sunday afternoon (October 26), all eyes around the world will turn to the Santiago Bernabéu, as the highly anticipated clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona captures global attention.
One of the greatest rivalries in world football, featuring two clubs with millions of fans worldwide and some of the sport’s brightest stars, promises intense excitement and spectacular football in a match that also serves as a top-of-the-table showdown in La Liga, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.
The winner of El Clásico will gain both a points and psychological advantage for the long season ahead, in domestic competitions as well as in the Champions League.
The derby finds Real Madrid leading the standings, two points ahead of the Catalans. Xabi Alonso’s team, coaching a Clásico for the first time (though he has experience as a Real Madrid player), has won 8 of 9 games in this season’s Spanish league and 11 of 12 across all competitions, yet the one match they did not win—a 5-2 defeat to Atlético—remains a thorn in their side, raising questions about the team’s readiness in high-intensity derbies. Last season’s four defeats to Barcelona are not easily forgotten, even though this year’s Real plays with a new philosophy. Wednesday’s (October 22) 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League came at the right moment to boost morale, but El Clásico is a different challenge altogether.
For their part, the Blaugrana entered the season aiming to continue from where they left off in their dream season last year, when they won all available domestic titles, but consistency has been lacking so far. Frequent injuries, opponents’ advanced defensive preparations, Hansi Flick’s offside strategies, and an apparent lack of energy needed for their high-press system have led to some inconsistent performances. These issues have cost them two setbacks in La Liga so far: a draw with Rayo Vallecano (in a match they could have lost) and a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sevilla. Last week, a late goal by Araujo secured a 2-1 win over Girona, while the 6-1 triumph over Olympiacos on Tuesday (October 21) boosted morale ahead of the Bernabéu clash.
Both teams have suffered significant injuries this season, with Real struggling in defense and Barcelona in attack, but the problems for the two coaches are easing. Xabi Alonso will miss Rüdiger and likely Alaba, but Hausen returns, and Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal are expected to be available, addressing the previous gap on the right side. Hansi Flick will likely have Rafinha and Ferran Torres available (the latter was in the squad against Olympiacos but unused), while Dani Olmo races to recover from injury. Certainly out for the Blaugrana are Lewandowski, the operated Gavi, and first-choice goalkeeper Joan García.
In the shadow of El Clásico, the 10th round of La Liga features other interesting matches. Valencia, after a strong start but four winless games leaving them behind once again, will host neighboring Villarreal on Saturday (October 25) at Mestalla, while Betis and Atlético, one point behind Villarreal, face off on Monday evening (October 27) at Sevilla’s Benito Villamarín Stadium.
