The classic returns to the Camp now tonight as arguably the most famous club rivalry in the world is once again renewed. This is already the fourth meeting of the season between these fierce foes, and one more is scheduled as the second leg of their Cup del Rey the semi-finals are scheduled for next month. Barcelona then has a small lead Eder Militao‘s own goal at the Bernabeu, while also winning the Spanish Super Cup but losing the first LaLiga clash in October.
Another win for the Catalans here in Xavi’s first home Clásico would be their 100th in this high-profile fixture and they would take a surefire 12-point lead in the title race with just 12 games left to play this season. They have put behind their shock loss to Almeria after back-to-back victories over Valencia and Athletic Club, with Madrid advancing in the Champions League but dropping points domestically against the likes of Real Betis and Atletico.
Karim Benzema’s fitness after another knock is a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos, with Pedri’s absence a bitter pill for Barca. To follow Barcelona against Real Madrid in El Clasico live below!
Live updates
Tonight’s destination
Tonight’s match will take place at Camp Nou, although it is a bit of a building site at the moment.
Two changes for Barcelona
Ronald Araujo returns from suspension to replace Ferran Torres in Barcelona XI.
That means Sergi will nudge Roberto to form a 4-4-2 for the hosts, effectively matching Real Madrid who will have Federico Valverde operate in a similar role.
How Barcelona prepares for El Clásico
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Sergi Roberto, Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Leaf, Lewandowski.
Subs: Fati, Torres, Pena, Marcos Alonso, Alba, Kessie, Garcia, Torre, Tenas, Alarcon.
Los Blancos unchanged
Carlo Ancelotti sticks to the same line-up that beat Liverpool as Eduardo Camavinga beats Aurelien Tchouameni to complete the midfield.
Nacho Fernandez is preferred as a left back to the fit Ferland Mendy.
How Real Madrid line up tonight
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga, Duckweed; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Subs: Lunin, Lopez, Vallejo, Hazard, Tchouameni, Asensio, Odriozola, Vazquez, Ceballos, Mariano, Mendy, Rodrygo.
El Clasico head-to-head record
A century of Clasico victories awaits the Catalans if they win this derby, having scored just six fewer goals than Los Blancos in their 252 competitive encounters.
Barcelona wins: 99
Draws: 52
Real Madrid wins: 101
Evening Standard score prediction
Barcelona have real reasons to believe this is their year to recapture the LaLiga crown from Madrid and a win here will pretty much secure that.
Barcelona wins 3-1.
Predict Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Early team news from Real Madrid
Karim Benzema was injured again after picking up an injury mid-week against Liverpool, but he is fit to play tonight.
Ferland Mendy was able to start after being benched in that match, leaving David Alaba and Alvaro Rodriguez the only other concerns for Carlo Ancelotti.
Predicted Barcelona XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Leaf, Lewandowski, Towers.