Expectations high as Real Madrid host the El Clasico

El Clasico – Spain’s most heated football derby is back as Real Madrid take on arch rivals FC Barcelona in a bid to extend their lead at the top.

Head to Head

This will be the 249th meeting between arguably the two best teams in Spain. Real Madrid has the edge over Barcelona, having won it 100 times compared to FC Barcelona’s 96.
The team from the Spanish capital has the upper hand in their last 5 meetings, having won it 4 times, while the 5th ended in a draw.

They have managed to score 9 goals as compared to the 3 FC Barcelona have in the last 5 meetings.

The most recent el clasico in the league was played on 24th October at the Camp Nou where the visitors emerged victorious, thanks to goals from David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez.

Sergio Aguero pulled one back for the home side but it was too little too late as the Los Blancos went on to win the tie.

The teams also met at the semi finals stage in the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid won that tie 3-2 thanks to a goal in the first half of extra time by Federico Valverde.

Real Madrid would go on to win the cup.

Recent Form

Real Madrid are on a 5 match winning streak as they take on FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeau.

Real Madrid are unbeaten at home, having won 10 and drawing 4.

They also qualified to the quarter final stages of the UCL, where they take on defending champions Chelsea FC.

On the other hand, Barcelona have found form since club legend Xavi has taken over as the manager.

They are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions and sit in the 4th spot behind Atletico Madrid with 2 games in hand.

FC Barcelona also qualified for the quarter finals of the Uefa Europa League as they aim to cap off a disappointing season with a silverware. They face German football team Eintracht Frankfurt.

Injury Updates

Real Madrid will be without the service of star striker Karim Benzema, who misses out due to a calf injury. They would also miss Ferland Mendy who has been sidelined due to and adductor injury.

As for FC Barcelona, they would be without Sergino Dest who has picked up an injury in the left femoral bicep. Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto are minor doubts for the game.

Prediction

Barcelona have picked up form since with arrival of Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. They would definitely put on a stern test for the league leaders but we feel that Real Madrid have enough fire power to win against the Catalan giants.

Score = 3-1 in favour of the home side, Real Madrid.