One of the biggest matches in world soccer takes place this week, as the rearranged fixture between Real Madrid and Barcelona takes place on Wednesday evening. Both sides are locked at the top of La Liga, and whichever side walks away from the meeting with the three points would have an increased chance of winning the domestic title.
Match Preview
Barcelona are still in the process of trying to find their very best form this season. They have improved their squad with the additions of Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann, but neither have been able to replicate their form from their previous clubs thus far. Barcelona’s away form has been a constant struggle so far this campaign, and that was evident again in their last match against Real Sociedad.
Mikel Oyarzabal put Sociedad ahead in that game before goals from Griezmann and Luis Suarez turned the game on its head. However, they were unable to go into El Clasico with the win, and Alexander Isak scored the equaliser for the hosts with 30 minutes to go. The Catalonian side were unable to build on their possession in the game, and couldn’t break down the resilient Sociedad defence. The draw means that Barcelona have only won once in their past three La Liga matches; with that success coming against Athletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s four-match winning run was brought to an end against Valencia on their last outing in La Liga. Before their visit to the Mestalla, Madrid had beaten Alaves, Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Eibar in their previous four games. Madrid scored eleven goals during these games, but they needed a late equaliser to rescue a point against a competitive Valencia side at the weekend.
It was a cagey match, with neither side given much room in the final third. The hosts went ahead with ten minutes remaining as Carlos Soler shocked the Madrid defence to score. However, Zinedine Zidane’s side continued to battle until the end, and they finally got their reward in the 95th minute when Karim Benzema was in the right place at the right time to save a point. That kept up Madrid’s record of only having lost once this season, and they will be hoping that they can continue that at the Nou Camp.
Head to Head
Barcelona holds the advantage over the two sides by winning this fixture on more occasions. They have recorded 96 wins, compared to Real Madrid’s 95 wins in competitive fixtures. That record is even better when taking into account friendlies too, as Barca have won on 115 occasions compared to Real’s 99.
The last meeting between the two came in March 2019, with Barcelona running out 1-0 winners. Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal of the game on that occasion.
Barcelona Team News
Ousmane Dembele will be the only player missing for the home side as he recovers from a muscular injury.
Real Madrid Team News
The travelling side will be without Ferland Mendy, who will be missing through suspension. Meanwhile, Marcelo, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio are also out through injury.
Prediction
Neither side will want to lose this game since they are locked at the top of the La Liga table. A point would be seen as a very good result for Madrid, while a win for Barcelona could be decisive when we reach the final games of the season. Real’s low number of lost games this season ensures that the draw could be a lucrative betting option for punters.
