Real Madrid prepares to face Barcelona this Sunday, seeking to recover from a disappointing record against their rivals. Last season, they suffered four defeats in classic matches against Barcelona.
Match Preview: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
Kylian Mbappé leads the charge for Real Madrid, having scored 10 goals in nine league matches. His impressive tally places him at the top of the La Liga scoring chart, four goals ahead of his closest competitor. Additionally, he has netted five goals in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Barcelona’s Challenges
Barcelona arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium facing significant challenges. The team will be without key attackers due to injuries. Coach Hansi Flick will watch from the stands after receiving a red card in the previous match.
- Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.
- Raphinha remains doubtful for the match.
- Lamine Yamal will start after recently returning from an injury.
Historical Context
The last season was particularly tough for Real Madrid as they lost all four encounters against Barcelona, with an aggregate score of 16-7. Highlights of these matches included:
- 4-0 loss for Madrid in La Liga.
- 5-2 loss in the Supercopa de España.
- 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey final.
- 4-3 loss in a dramatic league finale.
“Last year went well for us,” remarked Pau Cubarsí, a central defender for Barcelona. “Both teams have evolved, but we can improve by changing a few things.”
Current Form and Expectations
Real Madrid recently secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus thanks to a goal from Jude Bellingham. However, they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Atlético Madrid last month in a league derby.
In contrast, Barcelona enters the match on a high note, coming off a stunning 6-1 victory against Olympiakos. Fermín López displayed a standout performance with a hat-trick, and Marcus Rashford contributed two goals.
League Standings
As it stands, Real Madrid leads La Liga with a two-point advantage over the defending champion, Barcelona. Thibaut Courtois, Madrid’s goalkeeper, expressed optimism regarding the upcoming match:
“Both teams are in good form, making it a promising game. After our losses last year, we aim for victory to extend our lead.”
Injury Updates
Aside from Lewandowski, Barcelona will also miss midfielder Dani Olmo and goalkeeper Joan García. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is without defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger due to injuries.
This highly anticipated classic arrives amid controversy, as La Liga faces disappointment over the canceled plans for a regular-season match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this December.
