Barcelona will be hoping to inflict further damage on El Clasico rivals Real Madrid, and stay on course for a sixth La Liga title in eight years, when they welcome their old foes to the Nou Camp later today.
Luis Enrique’s men are now unbeaten in a remarkable 39 games in all competitions, and sit nine points clear of Atletico Madrid in second, and ten clear of Saturday’s opponents.
An unprecedented second successive treble beckons for the record-chasing Catalans, and victory over a Real Madrid side very much in transition would take them another step closer.
Here’s what you need to know as the kick off gets closer
Squads
Barcelona
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Jordi Masip, Douglas, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Rafinha, Daniel Alves, Thomas Vermaelen, Jeremy Mathieu, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Aleix Vidal, Sergio Busquets, Arda Turan, Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Munir el Haddadi, Sandro Ramirez.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla, Ruben Yanez, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Raphael Varane, Alvaro Arbeloa, Dani Carvajal, Danilo, Marcelo, Nacho, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jese, Lucas Vazquez.
Reasons for Barcelona fans to be optimistic
Barcelona sit nine points clear at the top of La Liga and 10 points clear of third place Real Madrid. The title is almost theirs.
The Catalan giants have already beaten Real once this season. They won 4-0 away in the Bernabeu back in November, helped by a brace from Luis Suarez.
Neymar. Suarez. Messi. Barca possess arguably the most lethal strike force ever. Between them they’ve netted 107 times for their club this season; a remarkable statistic.
Reasons for Real Madrid fans to be optimistic
They have more points from their last four games than Barcelona do. We’re clutching at straws a little here, but Madrid have 12 points from 12 while Barca only have 10. Zidane has built a bit of momentum ahead of the big one.
The pressure is off. At the Nou Camp and with the league title in sight, Barca are definitely favourites for this game. By contrast, Madrid are playing largely for pride and this could play into their hands.
Last 5 meetings
Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona
Last time out – Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
Barcelona’s key man
Since his £75m move from Liverpool to Barcelona in July 2014, Luis Suarez has just got better and better. Playing alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi in Barca’s sumptuous front three, the Uruguayan has bagged 43 times in 43 appearances this season.
More than this, however, is Suarez’s all-round game. Tenacity has always been a big part of Suarez’s play and he has won over the Barca faithful with his enduring work ethic.
Brcelona’s demolition of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in November and if he’s on form come Saturday night, he’ll take some stopping.
Real Madrid’s key man
Real Madrid have certainly been under-whelming at times this season. Rafa Benitez paid the price in January when he was sacked with his side lying four points behind then league leaders Atletico Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also come under fire at times for his performances, however the Portuguese star seems intent on silencing his critics. 41 goals in 38 games games prove that the three time Ballon d’Or winner is still at the top of his game.
Match Build-up El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
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