Once again, all the eyes in the world of football will be watching a game between Real Madrid and Barcelona where both teams have a fighting chance to win. The differences between these teams have been erased in the past few weeks, which will fuel the expectations of fans and experts to watch a game for the ages.
Real Madrid enter this game after having an easier week than their rivals. Los Merengues claimed a 3-0 win over Mallorca on Monday and then had enough time to prepare for this game. That game continued their recent unbeaten form, which has lasted for six games (five wins, one draw).
Speaking of individual performances, Real Madrid will have to work things out without the top scorer in the league, as Karim Benzema has been ruled out for this match due to a calf injury. His replacement is yet to be determined, as both Luka Jovic and Mariano have failed to meet the expectations surrounding them. With that in mind, it seems that Vinicius Jr (14 goals and six assists in La Liga) will be the one carrying the team's offensive weight.
On the other side of the pitch, Barcelona will enter this clash while on an eleven-game streak without a loss. Xavi Hernández seems to have found the way to make his team work, and with the help of their winter signings, Los Culés seem to be on the right track to become title contenders once again. Their week was a bit busy, as they claimed a 4-0 win over Osasuna on March 13 and then went on to eliminate Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League this past Thursday.
The Blaugrana side will cement their hopes to end Real Madrid's unbeaten run with the help of two players that have been impressive recently. First off, Pedri's masterful dominance of the team's midfield will surely be something to keep an eye on. Meanwhile, the team's goalscoring duties will fall on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's shoes, as the Gabonese ace has hit the ground running with the Catalan side, having scored seven goals in ten games for Los Culés since he joined them on deadline day this winter.
Here are the key elements we have to consider prior to the start of this interesting game.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Who's in and who's out?
Real Madrid - Injured: Karim Benzema, Ferland Mendy.
Barcelona - Injured: Ansu Fati, Alex Baldé, Sergiño Dest, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Head-to-head stats
-
Real Madrid make it to this game on a six-match streak without a loss against Barcelona across all comps. Five of those games have ended in wins for Los Merengues.
-
Barcelona's last win against Real Madrid came on March 2, 2019. That game ended in a one-nil victory for Los Culés thanks to a goal by Ivan Rakitic.
-
There have been no draws between these teams in their last six games at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
-
There has only been one clean sheet in the last five meetings between these teams. Real Madrid managed to accomplish that feat during their two-nil win In March 2020 at the Bernabeu, with goals scored by Vinicius and Mariano in the dying moments of the game.
-
Ansu Fati is the only member of this Barcelona squad to have found the back of the net more than once against Los Blancos in their most recent six games.
-
Real Madrid earned their 100th win against Barcelona in all competitions in their 3-2 Supercopa victory last January.
-
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will be facing Barcelona for the 14th time as coach. His record so far shows five wins, three draws, and five losses.
-
Xavi Hernández will coach his second match against Real Madrid. He lost the first one in the Supercopa de España earlier this year.
Broadcast info - Real Madrid vs Barcelona
In Spain: Movistar Laliga 1, Movistar Laliga, Movistar+, Movistar Laliga 2.
In the U.S.: ESPN+.
In the U.K.: Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 1, LaLigaTV.
In Portugal: Eleven Sports 1 Portugal.
In Italy: DAZN.
In France: Free, beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
In Germany: DAZN2, DAZN.
In the Netherlands: Ziggo Sport 14, Ziggo Sport Select.
In Canada: TSN App, TSN.ca.
In Argentina: directvsports.com, DIRECTV Sports Argentina, DIRECTV Sports App.
In Mexico: Blue To Go Video Everywhere, Sky HD.
In Nigeria: SuperSport GOtv LaLiga, SuperSport Laliga Nigeria, StarTimes App, SuperSport MaXimo 2, Canal+ Sport 3 Afrique, Startimes Sports Premium, DStv Now.
In Egypt: TOD, beIN Sports HD 1, beIN 4K Arabia, beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN Sports English, beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
