He could be one of the greatest players alive, if not the greatest, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s exclusion from El Clasico’s Best XI by Sportmail has raised eyebrows. According to the English publication, only three Real Madrid players made it to the list of the final XI for Clasico to be played at the Nou Camp on April 2, 2016. Here is a preview of the lineup:
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas starts between the posts due to his impressive form both in the Champions League and La Liga. The Costa Rican goalkeeper has not conceded a goal in this season’s Champions League.
Defenders
Bullish Brazilian defender Dani Alves starts at the right-back, as his teammate Gerard Pique offers support at the right centre back. Real Madrid’s defender Sergio Ramos is the first of the three Los Blancos players to make the cut in the first eleven at the left centre back, supported by his teammate Marcelo in the left back position.
Here is the full El Clasico Best XI, according to Sportsmail. 
Midfielders
Barcelona players dominate the midfield; Ivan Rakitic beats Luka Modric to the starting XI. Apart from being a naturally-gifted right midfielder, the Croatian is the fourth highest-scoring Barca player outside the deadly partnership of Messi, Neymar and Suarez. Rakitic has scored 5 goals in 28 La Liga appearances for the Catalan giants, compared to Luka Modric’s solitary goal in 27 appearances. Sergio Busquets unsurprisingly makes it to the holding midfield position. At the left-midfield, Andres Iniesta starts, thanks to his pinpoint accuracy when passing the ball, and the ability to ease pressure on the front three by participating in attack.
Forwards
The lethal Lionel Messi starts at the right attack position while hoping score his 500th career goal on Saturday. Messi is also the all-time El Clasico top-scorer with 21 goals. Next is Luis Suarez, who is widely seen as the best centre forward in the world this season.
The Uruguayan has a great record with Los Blaugrana; every time he scores, Barca’s chance of losing the match are reduced to the lowest minimum. With 68 goals to his name since arriving at the Nou Camp from Anfield less than two seasons ago, anyone can trust Suarez in the hunt for goals. Neymar replaces Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale at the left attack. The Brazilian has scored 21 La Liga goals in 26 appearances for Luis Enrique’s men and is widely seen as the player who will succeed Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp. Whether this is true or not, no one can doubt the fact that the former Real Madrid target and ex-Santos man is made of pure talent.
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