El Classico: Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Match Preview; 2023/24)

Real Madrid will aim to increase their lead over Barcelona to 11 points at the top of the La Liga table as they host their Catalan rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Both teams come into this fixture with mixed emotions after their midweek games in the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid progressed to the semi-finals with a win over Manchester City on penalties. Meanwhile, Barcelona lost to Paris Saint-Germain 6-4 on aggregate, winning the first leg 3-2 but losing the second leg 4-1.

Real Madrid have been exceptional in the league, winning 24, drawing six, and losing one of their 31 matches, putting them eight points ahead of second-placed Barcelona. They will be aiming to complete a double over their rivals, having won the first leg 2-1 at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona fans will take heart from their team's second-best away record in La Liga this season, having picked up 33 points from 15 matches. They will be hoping to end Real Madrid's unbeaten run at home this season.

Recent form:

Real Madrid and Barcelona have had similar form in their recent league matches, winning four and drawing one of their last five games.

Team news:

Real Madrid will be without Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba due to knee injuries, but Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior, who had to be substituted due to injury in the midweek game against Manchester City, are fit and available for selection.

Aurelien Tchouameni will play in defence alongside Antonio Rudiger, while Jude Bellingham will be available for selection.

Barcelona will be without Gavi and Alejandro Balde, who are still out with long-term knee injuries, but they have Araujo available for the game.

Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen will both be back in the squad after missing the game against PSG due to suspensions.

Prediction:

Real Madrid will be playing in front of their home crowd, and they are confident going into the game. As a result, we expect them to defeat Barcelona.