For the second time in three weeks, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other again, this time in a LaLiga clash that could be decisive for both teams. A Clásico that promises to be the most challenging in more than ten years in the fight for the league title.
FC Barcelona could deal the final blow to Real Madrid in LaLiga
With three points at stake and four points separating the two sides, the winner will take an almost definitive lead or, in the event of a Madrid victory, completely reignite the fight for the championship. A match that could also be another blow for the Whites this season (they have won every time they have faced each other).
Hansi Flick’s side go into matchday 35 with a four-point lead over Ancelotti’s men, with only twelve points left to play for. Although Real Madrid are still mathematically in with a chance, a slip-up at Montjuic could leave the trophy in Barcelona’s hands, especially as they have the goal difference in their favor after their 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg.
The Whites have yet to beat their eternal rivals this season. The most recent clash between the two sides was in the Copa del Rey final, which Barça won 3-2. In the Spanish Super Cup final, Barça won 5-2, and in the first leg of LaLiga, they also thrashed Real Madrid 4-0.
Fatigue could be a factor for FC Barcelona
It is true, of course, that FC Barcelona is facing Real Madrid in the clásico at an emotionally fragile moment. Their elimination at the hands of Inter in the Champions League semifinals was painful, as they were just one step away from the final.
The hope of a treble vanished in the last breath of the game with a goal from Acerbi in the 93rd minute that sent the game into extra time, and Frattesi scored the fourth and final goal to give the Nerazzurri the much-coveted ticket to Munich.
Given this, the match will be crucial for both sides, as whatever the result, it could be a dose of optimism for Flick’s or Ancelotti’s men in this final stretch of the season. After El Clásico, Barcelona will face Espanyol in Cornellà, Villarreal at home, and Athletic in San Mamés. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will play Mallorca at the Bernabéu, Sevilla at the Sánchez-Pizjuán and Real Sociedad at home.
First and foremost, it should be said that FC Barcelona are facing a Real Madrid side that are tired, and Hansi Flick will have had to manage his players’ energy levels very well in training this week. They face a fully rested Real Madrid, so they will have to go all in.
That is where Hansi Flick has been deciding all week, even before the Champions League match, on the lineup he will field in this clash. In goal, he will go with Szczesny. Although Ter Stegen has recovered and played in the last league match, the difficulty of this match calls for the goalkeeper in the best form.
The defense looks set to be made up of the usual suspects: Íñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí. They will be accompanied by Eric García and Gerard Martín on the wings, who are replacing Koundé and Balde. The Spaniard is almost recovered, but Gerard’s good form could keep him in the starting lineup.
The midfield will be led by Pedri, accompanied by De Jong and Dani Olmo, who seems to have Flick’s full confidence despite Fermín’s great form. The good news comes in attack, as Lewandowski is back from injury and available to start the game. He will be supported by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal to complete the deadly trio and win the duel between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona lineup
Goalkeeper: Szczesny
Defenders: Eric García, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Gerard Martín
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Olmo
Forwards: Lamine, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres.