Real Madrid travel to the Estadi Lluis Companys today for a high-stakes El Clasico clash against arch-rivals Barcelona, knowing that only a victory will keep their dwindling La Liga title aspirations alive.
Trailing the Catalan giants by four points with just three matches remaining after this pivotal encounter, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are running out of opportunities to close the gap.
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Adding further pressure, Barcelona have held the upper hand in recent encounters, securing wins in all three previous meetings this season, including a dramatic 3-2 extra-time triumph in last month’s emotionally charged Copa del Rey final.
However, the home side will be looking to bounce back from a midweek setback that saw their Champions League journey end at the semi-final stage with a defeat against Inter Milan.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has opted for consistency, naming the same starting eleven that took to the pitch at the San Siro.
This means star striker Robert Lewandowski will once again start on the bench as he continues his recovery from injury, alongside Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado.
Ferran Torres is set to lead the Barcelona attack, supported by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the front three.
Barcelona Starting XI: Szczesny; Garcia, Martinez, Cubarsi, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has shown faith in the lineup that secured a 3-2 victory against Celta Vigo last week, naming an unchanged team.
The notable inclusion remains young Turkish talent Arda Guler, who retains his place in the starting eleven following a string of impressive performances.
Brazilian forward Rodrygo will once again start on the bench, having missed the Celta game due to illness.
Real Madrid Starting XI: Courtois; Lucas, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Fran García; Valverde, Ceballos, Bellingham; Güler, Mbappé, Vinicius
With the La Liga title hanging in the balance, this El Clasico promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with Real Madrid desperately seeking a win to keep their championship dreams alive and Barcelona aiming to further solidify their grip on the top spot.
