Saturday’s El Clasico is one of the most highly-anticipated derbies in the world. This important fixture does not only provide a chance for the winner to bag three crucial points, but also the bragging rights for the better part of the season. Real Madrid host their bitter rivals FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in a game that will be televised live across the world.
For the last few years, this fixture has always drawn attention to the battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. However, with the latter injured and doubtful for the epic clash, the attention now shifts to the attacking duo of Neymar and Suarez and Ronaldo and Bale or Jamez Rodriquez.
The star-studded affair has never been short of drama both on and off the field as fans from both sides battle for supremacy. However, this time round, the two teams are facing major injury concerns ahead of the derby.
All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Leo is expected to make a full recovery before the Saturday clash and lead Barca's hunt for goal away to Madrid.
On one side, the Catalans are struggling to ensure that their star players Lionel and Rakitic are fit for the weekend fixture. On the other side, Madrid are concerned about the fitness levels of defender Sergio Ramos and striker Karim Benzema.
Watch one of Ronaldo's best goals against Barcelona
One of Cristiano Ronaldo's 15 goals in El Clasico. #RMCF pic.twitter.com/ujhRMwZaES
— Home Of CL (@HomeOfCL) November 16, 2015
Team News
Real Madrid
Karim Benzema could miss El Clasico after injuring himself when training with Los Blancos earlier this week. Ronaldo is expected to start alongside Gareth Bale or James Rodriguez if Benzema does not get fit in time for the crucial encounter. Other players in the injury list include Isco, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos. However, the latter has reportedly vowed to play through pain.
FC Barcelona
Leo is likely to come on as a substitute for Barcelona in the highly-anticipated match. Also, the deadly duo of Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. is expected to lead the goal hunt for Barca. Rakitic has also resumed training, according to Barca’s official website, and could be featured in the squad that will face Real Madrid. Rafinha and Douglas have been ruled out early.
Watch some of Messi's best goals versus Real Madrid
With questions about Messi playing El Clasico let's look back at his goals against Real Madrid (@Vldeoelbarca) pic.twitter.com/Mt9zN7FUgz
— The Catalan Giant (@TheCatalanGiant) November 16, 2015
On which online or TV channel can I watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona live?
- Kenya: SuperSport 3 Africa
- Nigeria: on Canal+ Sport 1 Africa, and various SuperSport channels (check our broadcast page for more info)
- South Africa: on various SuperSport channels
In Kenya, follow the action live on SuperSport 3 Africa at 20:15 EAT. In Nigeria, watch Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu at Canal+ Sport 1 Africa, SuperSport 3 Africa or SuperSport 3 Nigeria, at 18:15 WAT. In South Africa, watch El Clasico on November 21, 2015 on SuperSport 5, SuperSport Maximo 2 or SuperSport 3 Africa at 19:15 SAST. If you live outside the three countries, visit our live broadcast page for additional broadcast info for your specific country.
NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change.
Last 58 meetings between the two sides
Quick facts
- El Clasico has been played a total of 262 times
- Real Madrid have the most wins in all competitions (108)
- Lionel Messi is El Clasico’s all time top scorer with 21 goals
- The biggest win in this fixture was during the 1943 Copa del Rey when Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11-1
- Barcelona have the longest undefeated run in El Classico (13 games) compared to Real Madrid (10 games)
Probable lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3 formation): Navas; Danilo, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Rodríguez, Kroos; Isco, Bale, Ronaldo
Barcelona (4-3-3 formation): Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, Iniesta; Munir, Suárez, Neymar
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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