Overview
In recent seasons, Barcelona, in a period of decline, has always been inferior and underestimated compared to its arch-rival Real Madrid. However, things have changed this season, when Blaugrana are rising strongly under new coach Hansi Flick. They even appear to be better than their opponents.
In the most recent match, Barcelona convincingly defeated Bayern Munich with a score of 4-1 after many years. That was the 4th victory in the last 5 matches of the home team at Camp Nou.
Flick's attack is playing extremely well this season. They have scored in every match and in the last 5 matches alone, they have scored 19 goals. With the extremely high form of the attacking trio Raphinha, Yamal and Lewandowski, Barcelona is very confident ahead of the match against Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos do not have the same destructive streak as Barcelona. In the last 5 matches, Los Blancos won 3, drew 1 and lost 1. The fact that Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo all have the habit of playing wide and operating independently means that Real Madrid lack a regular point of receiving the ball in the penalty area.
Against weaker opponents, the "White Vultures" can overwhelm with the individual class of their stars. However, in a top match, that can become their Achilles heel.
Besides the problem of the attack, Real Madrid's defense is also devastated by injuries when Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are all out. Therefore, although playing at home at Bernabeu, Real is rated slightly lower than its opponent.
Real Madrid have won their last four official El Clasicos. Barcelona's last victory over their rivals came in March 2023 and Flick will be keen to end that run.
Human resources situation
Real Madrid have suffered two major injuries after the Bayern Munich game. Courtois and Rodrygo will now miss the Barcelona game. Alaba and Carvajal are still out but Brahim Diaz is back.
On the other side of the front line, Barcelona's injury problems are easing at the right time, with Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo and Gavi all available after lengthy lay-offs. However, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain absent.
Expected lineup:
Real Madrid: Lunin, Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Tchouameni, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe.
Barcelona: Pena, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde, Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
The match between Real Madrid and Barcelona takes place at 2:00 a.m. on October 27 (Vietnam time).
