Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Match preview | OneFootball

The Santiago Bernabeu is prepared to host perhaps the biggest match of Europe this season, as Real Madrid lock horns against arch-rivals, FC Barcelona.

A day after a sensational ‘remontada’ against Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid faced two major setbacks as Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo were both ruled out of the El Clasico.

But Los Blancos happen to have two able replacements for both those players in the face of Andriy Lunin and Brahim Díaz – who makes a return to the squad after suffering an injury against Real Sociedad back in September.

There has been a lot of debate over the past few days as to whether Lucas Vazquez will play as a right back or will Éder Militão shift to that position to nullify Raphinha’s threat to an extent.

Based on pre-match conferences and rumours, it seems like Carlo Ancelotti will stick with the same defence which took on Dortmund.

This means that Aurelien Tchouaméni will have a very important role to play as the defensive midfielder and also as the third centre-back on transitions, considering the red hot form of Barcelona’s front line.

Luka Modric will play a pivotal part in the midfield because even at his age, his ability to make line breaking passes will prove to be beneficial against Hansi Flick’s high defensive line.

Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe have looked a much better duo since the international break ended, with the Frenchman having a goal and an assist and the Brazilian having scored four goals – in two matches.

Speaking of FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick has completely transformed the Blaugrana who have been flying high in La Liga as they sit on the top of the table and have scored 33 goals in 10 games as compared to Madrid’s 21.

One of the main features of Hansi Flick’s style is the high defensive line which he deploys. This style comes with its risks and rewards.

As seen in their recent game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the German side were moving the ball quite easily in the initial 15-20 minutes with their wingers coming into play the most. Although Barca suffered but then they punished Bayern on the counters when the ball was lost.

This high line is set mainly to perform the offside trap to perfection – and that is exactly what the Blaugrana have done this season. They have trapped their opponents in as many as 65 offside traps in La Liga as compared to Real Madrid’s meagre 14 traps.

Such a tactic can work on days but some days, it won’t. Real Madrid have two of the fastest players up front in Vinícius and Mbappe and if these two do not fall into the trap and play intelligently, they can make Barcelona pay.

That is also the reason why Madrid’s midfield – and Militao and Rudiger – should play those long balls and make those line breaking passes because their opponents may have a moment of lapse in concentration.

Statistically, Barcelona looks the better side but what happens on the pitch tomorrow will prove to be more decisive.

Carlo Ancelotti in the pre-match presser clearly mentioned that he had something planned for tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see what the Italian has in mind.

It all sets up to be the most hyped El Clasico in recent times and the fans can expect it to be a goal fest for sure, considering the star power on display.

Although a Barcelona win will not decide the title, but it will surely give them an upper hand so Madrid would hope to continue putting the pressure on their rivals. Hopefully, another classic awaits at the Santiago Bernabeu.