Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Barcelona won all four El Clasicos last season with overwhelming dominance. Real Madrid has undergone significant changes this new season but is still striving to regain full form. Meanwhile, Barcelona is dealing with numerous injuries and is not in a relaxed state. Nevertheless, the first El Clasico of the season is generating plenty of excitement. The Real and Barca players have even exchanged some heated words. Today (Sunday) at 9:15 PM Bangladesh time, Real Madrid will host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. This high-stakes match carries a rich history and is often seen as a potential La Liga title decider. Barca and Real will meet twice in this top Spanish league, having faced each other 261 times so far, with Barcelona winning 104 matches and Real Madrid 106. The remaining 51 matches ended in draws.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos lead slightly in goals scored with 443, while the Catalan Blaugrana have 435. However, the outcome will depend on each team’s performance on the match day, as the battle on the pitch is more important than past stats or records. Both teams also must consider their squads carefully, mindful of injuries. Although Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hoped to include Brazilian forward Rafinha, it was disappointing to learn that Rafinha cannot play due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, goalkeeper Juan Garcia, midfielders Gavi and Dani Olmo, and striker Robert Lewandowski will miss the Madrid match. Fitness doubts also remain over Jules Kunde and Andreas Christensen. Some relief comes with the return of Spanish wingers Lamine Yamal and Firmin Lopez from injury. For Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen have rejoined the squad.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Another setback for Barcelona is the absence of head coach Flick, who is suspended for the match due to a card. As a result, assistant coach Marcus Sorg will lead the team in El Clasico. Sorg spoke at the pre-match press conference, stating, “We have analyzed what the players always do and worked on solutions to maintain ball possession. We must ensure we don’t lose the ball on the field.” He referred to Vinicius Junior, saying, “We know the behavior of the opposing forwards. They will be ready for both Vinicius and Mbappe. We have to be careful and without pressure; we can only win if we maintain possession together.”
The Barca assistant coach is confident about playing at the Bernabeu but concerned about the injured players. He said, “We have many players with injuries and many matches to play. Sometimes the team needs changes; it’s impossible to have everyone fit for 60 matches. I see no difficulty playing at the Bernabeu. No one is the favorite here. Both sides have a fifty-fifty chance. Whoever performs on the pitch will win. Whether the ball is in their feet or not, we must keep pressing and continue playing our way.”
El Clasico
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Real Madrid’s head coach is former star Xabi Alonso, who is still searching for his preferred lineup. Alonso said, “This is an important match with all elements of good play and excitement. We will approach tomorrow with the aim of maximum motivation. It will be a difficult and exciting match. The highest level of performance is needed. The players must show strength and ability, and momentum will be created afterward.” (Source)
Both Barcelona assistant coach Marcus Sorg and Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso expressed the importance of El Clasico. Sorg said, “El Clasico is always special, and the intensity has been building for many years, which will continue. This is the first of the season. We want to enjoy this match fully. Many in Barcelona might say a lot, but we won’t pay attention. We aim to prove ourselves on the pitch and share the joy of winning the first El Clasico this season with everyone by giving our best.”
