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As the iconic Santiago Bernabeu prepares to host the most anticipated match of the season, the stakes couldn't be higher for the Spanish giants. Real Madrid and Barcelona will clash this Sunday in a game that could potentially decide the fate of the league title.Β
Real Madrid, currently leading the race, sit comfortably at the top with 78 points after 31 games, which includes 24 wins, 6 draws, and a solitary loss. A victory here would almost certainly secure the La Liga title.
Barcelona, trailing by 8 points, are in a must-win situation to keep their title hopes alive. With 21 victories, 7 draws, and 3 defeats, the Blaugrana hold 70 points. A win at the Bernabeu is critical to close the gap with their arch-rivals and maintain pressure as the season draws to a close.
Recent history shows a slight edge for Real Madrid in their last 5 encounters, with 3 wins to Barcelonaβs 2.
In 3 of the last 5 games, there have been both teams on the scoresheet and all of the last 5 games have seen 3 goals at least.
The betting tip is...
Over 2.5 Goals to be scored.
80 %
20 %
Courtois and Alaba are out for the remainder of the season. Eder Militao will be back on the pitch after a lengthy injury absence.Β
Real Madrid boasts the strongest offensive record in La Liga, having netted 67 goals in 31 matches, averaging 2.16 goals per game. Their defensive prowess is equally impressive, with the least goals conceded in the league at 20 and 16 clean sheets.
Bellingham shines as La Liga's second-highest scorer with 16 goals and 4 assists. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo follow suit with 12 and 10 goals, complemented by 5 and 4 assists respectively. Joselu and Brahim have proven to be effective substitutes, contributing 8 and 5 goals. Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos lead the assist chart with 7 assists each.
The hosts have also dominated in shooting precision, tallying the most shots on target in the league with 200. In goal, Andriy Lunin has recently been the first choice over Kepa, racking up 41 saves in 19 matches.
Expect Kroos to be rested after the Man City UCL game.
Predicted Lineup: Andriy Lunin, Carvajal, Nacho/Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Modric, Valverde, Tchouameni, Vinicius Jr, Bellingham, Rodrygo/Brahim.
Gavi and Balde are out for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities this season, scoring 62 goals across 31 games, which averages out to 2 goals per game. However, their defensive performance has been less reliable, allowing 34 goals and securing 14 clean sheets. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has made 52 saves in 21 matches.
Robert Lewandowski leads as Barcelona's top scorer with 13 goals, including 3 penalties, alongside 8 assists. Ferran Torres and Joao Felix have both contributed 7 goals each. Raphinha and Ilkay Gundogan have added 5 goals each, with 7 and 5 assists respectively, bolstering the team's scoring options. Cancelo has also provided offensive contributions.
While Barcelona ranks second in La Liga for shots on target, their defence has shown vulnerabilities, especially in comparison to Real Madrid's more robust defensive record despite injuries.
Expect Barca to go all out against Madrid
Predicted Lineup: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo, Pedri, de Jong, Gundogan, Yamal, Felix/Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Given the current form and statistics, Real Madrid holds the upper hand in the upcoming El Clasico. Despite significant injuries, their superior defensive record and consistent scoring prowess make them favourites.
Barcelona, with doubts around Cancelo and Lewandowskiβs yellow card suspension and a less stable defence, will likely struggle to contain Realβs attack.Β
Expect Real Madrid to enjoy their home advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu and clinch a victory.
However, with both teams proficient in scoring, the match promises goals from both sides. Our prediction is Real Madrid to win in a high-scoring affair, with both teams finding the back of the net.
