Spain Round 32

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Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Real Madrid:
Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo

Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, De Jong; Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Real Madrid will welcome their biggest rivals Barcelona to Santiago Bernabeu for another El Clasico. Few words about the history of this derby. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is regarded as one of the biggest on the planet. Madrid and Barcelona are Spain's largest cities and they are sometimes identified with opposing political positions. Real Madrid are viewed as representing Spanish nationalism and Barcelona viewed as representing Catalan nationalism. The two clubs are among the richest and most successful football clubs in the World; in 2014 Forbes ranked them the World's two most valuable sports teams. Both clubs have a global fan base; they are the two most followed sports teams on social media. Lionel Messi is the leading all time goal scorer in El Clasico with 26 goals, Alfredo Di Stefano has 18, while Cristiano Ronaldo 17.

Real Madrid are leaders in La Liga with 78 points, eight more than second-placed Barcelona. With seven matches remaining, this could be a massive step towards the trophy. The current form is very good, Los Blancos are in series of four victories in Primera, beating Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and Celta Vigo. In addition, they managed to eliminate Manchester City and advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is very high. Ancelotti has two injury worries ahead of this match. Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior were both forced off on Wednesday due to injury issues and they are rated as doubtful. However, the last news are optimistic and the duo should be available. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba remain long-term absentees.

As I wrote above, Barcelona are on the second position in La Liga with 70 points, eight adrift of leaders Real. This match is probably their last chance to stay in the race. The domestic form is good, they are also in series of four victories in Primera. They managed to beat Cadiz, Las Palmas, Atletico Madrid and Mallorca. However, Barca suffered a painful elimination in Europe. The Catalans were in perfect position, having won 3:2 in Paris and leading 1:0 at home, but one moment changed the course of the match. Ronald Araujo was sent-off in the 29th minute and the French champions went on to score four times without reply to eliminate Barca. Coach Xavi has the majority of his players available, only Gavi and Alejandro Balde are long-term knee victims. Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen, who missed the PSG contest due to suspensions, are back in the squad.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Prediction:

As of 24 January 2024, Barcelona leads in total matches with 124 wins to Real Madrid's 110, while 64 games ended without winner. Counting only La Liga, Real Madrid are more successful with 78 victories, while Barcelona have 74 (plus 35 draws). I think Real are closer to the victory here. The home advantage is between the reasons for my pick, but more important is the momentum. Both teams were in Champions League quarter-final action earlier this week, with different success. While Real Madrid managed to overcome Manchester City and advanced to the semifinals, Barcelona were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain after a frustrate second leg on home soil. Ancelotti's men are full of confidence and I expect to win the derby.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Pick: Real Madrid to win @ 1.80 with Everygame

 

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Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Pick: Real Madrid to win @ 1.80 with Everygame

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