#ElClasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid ( Match Preview; 23/24)

The El Clásico is one of the most famously the most contested football matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid. These two clubs have a rich history that extends back over a century and is deeply rooted in cultural, political, and sporting history.

This is the first game between both sides in the league this season ( 2023/24). Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to one of the most interesting football matches in Europe. Both sides have been impressive this season both in the league and on the continent. They are separated by a point in the table after ten league games, a win will be vital for either of the teams.

This will be the first ever La Liga Clásico to be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where Barça are playing their home games while Camp Nou is renovated. This is also the third different stadium Barcelona have hosted a Clásico in the league; having lost on the debut of the last two games at a new stadium.

They lost 2-1 in February 1929 in their debut Clásico at El Corts and were also beaten in February 1958 (2-0) when welcoming Real Madrid to Camp Nou for the first time.

Team News

Barcelona:

The team doctors at the Catalonia club have been working round the clock to see if Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha will play at least some part in the game at the Olympic Stadium, but Jules Kounde, Pedri and Sergi Roberto are set to miss out.

Real Madrid:

There is no major player ruled out of the game for Real Madrid apart from Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, who will be out for the majority of the season. They will have the presence of defender Nacho Fernandez who was issued a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle but has been reduced to two.

Recent form

Barcelona are yet to lose a game this season as they head into El Clasico. They have seven wins and three draws in La Liga, having also won all three of their Champions League games.

Real Madrid have won eight of their 10 La Liga games, and all of their Champions League matches.

Head to Head

The Blaugrana have won three of the last five El Clasico encounters, while Real Madrid have won twice. The last time they met in a competitive fixture, Real Madrid won 4-0, with Karim Benzema scoring a hat-trick in April 2023.

Where will the game be played?

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, October 28, 2023.