Three key battles that can decide Barcelona vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

The situation for Barcelona could well have been very different heading into the El Clasico had they just held on for two minutes against Inter Milan. Those two minutes, however, changed the entire narrative of the team.

From a red-hot team in the final of the Copa del Rey to a side that horrifically crashed out of the Champions League, Barcelona are no longer overwhelming favourites, given that there are serious doubts as to how they will respond after the heartbreak.

The game against Real Madrid may well guarantee the team a third trophy of the season and go a long way in soothing the wounds.

For that, however, they must fight across the field and prove themselves to be the best team in Spain against Real Madrid.

Barça Universal brings you three key battles that will decide El Clasico.

Lamine Yamal vs Fran Garcia

Lamine Yamal will go against Fran Garcia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s fragmented defence is almost inviting trouble against Barcelona’s vicious attack. The one key, however, will undoubtedly be how Lamine Yamal steps up.

If there is one player the team can bank on to come out all guns blazing despite the heartbreak in Milan, it is Yamal, and he will be decisive in creating Barcelona’s chances in the final third.

Going up against Fran Garcia in the Copa del Rey final, he provided two assists and helped Barcelona to the title directly.

Today, the spotlight will again be on his matchup with Garcia to see if he can continue his dominance or if the Real Madrid defender can manage to hold him off.

Pedri vs Arda Guler

Pedri will look to minimise Guler’s threat. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have found a tinge of balance in their midfield in recent games after the introduction of Arda Guler to the dynamics.

The Turkish star has always been highly rated and was even a target for Barcelona before he joined Real Madrid and his inclusion in the starting lineup has brought balance and stability through the middle.

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to prefer a four-man midfield with Rodrygo on the bench, and Guler is thus tipped to start. He will clash against Barcelona’s Pedri in the middle of the park and it will be interesting to see the outcome of the battle.

If Pedri can neutralise Guler’s threat and dominate him, Real Madrid automatically lose their biggest stabilising factor and will be vulnerable once more. Should Guler get going, however, it is inevitable that Real Madrid see a few big chances of goal.

Pau Cubarsi vs Kylian Mbappe

Cubarsi has been quite successful against Mbappe in the past. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s single biggest source of danger in the second half of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona was Kylian Mbappe and the Frenchman’s introduction opened up a world of problems for the Catalans.

With the Frenchman set to start, Barcelona’s ability to counter his pace and transitions will be a key battle that can swing the outcome.

Given that Jules Kounde will also be unavailable, there will be extra pressure on Pau Cubarsi to neutralise Mbappe’s threat. He has done it before and he he must do so once again if Barcelona are to get over the line.

The teenager is not known for his pace or speedy recoveries, but his positioning and defensive alertness will be key in holding off Real Madrid’s single-biggest attacking threat.