The first 2016 El-Clasico comes alive this Saturday, 2nd of April as Real Madrid go head to head with league leaders Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Both teams will fight it out in a cracking derby match. The El Clasico, Barcelona vs Real Madrid is arguably the biggest and best fixture on the world football calendar. There may be older rivalries but there are none which compare to the quality and excitement of this. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the most successful clubs, from the two biggest cities in Spain with the world’s greatest players.
Over the years, El Clasico is one of the most exciting and anticipated sporting events in the world and two of the most decorated clubs in Europe are set to battle it out for the bragging rights.
Saturday tie will be second Clasico of the season and Real Madrid will be hoping to avenge their home defeat against Barcelona early this season.
The Catalan giants will be hoping to pile further misery on their bitter rivals. Real Madrid were humiliated 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season by Barcelona and Los Blancos will be out for revenge this time.
Los Blancos are third in the table, twelve points behind fierce rivals Barcelona. Although a win for Real Madrid changes nothing in terms of the title race, Zidane will be desperate for a win in his first Clasico as the Real Madrid manager.
After winning the treble last season Barcelona were expected to hit the ground running this year. Barcelona are now in tremendous form after a slow start to this season. The trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar have scored a combined total of 68 goals in the La Liga this term.
Real Madrid have improved in their attacking department since the arrival of Zinedine Zidane, but their defensive weaknesses are a cause for concern against Barcelona.
The Catalans have the best attack in world football and will punish an error prone Real Madrid defence.
Both teams will be delighted to have their star players fit right now.
Barcelona should be able to field their full-strength lineup for the Clasico unless there is an injury between now and kick off.
Rafinha, Douglas and Adriano are the only Barcelona players sidelined right now.
As for Real Madrid, Los Blancos are hopeful that star striker Karim Benzema will be back in time for the Clasico.
Zidane will be delighted to have everyone else back fit and training.
Stats
The last 3 Clasico’s at Camp Nou have ended with a scoreline of 2-1. Barcelona have won two of them.
Barcelona have won their last 12 matches in the La Liga.
The last 6 Clasico’s have produced a total of 24 goals. Real Madrid have scored 10 of those.
Verdict
Barcelona are in supreme form right now and should be able to find a way past Real Madrid’s fragile defence. The likes of Rodriguez and Bale are struggling with their form right now and that will be a major worry for Zidane.
Despite the star names at the back, Real Madrid will struggle to contain the trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar.
Real boss, Zidane will be seeking to win his first El-Clasico as a manager having lost to fellow city rivals, Atletico Madrid; but, it could also be another comfortable home win for Luis Enrique’s side.
Anthony Nlebem
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