League Leaders Real Madrid face eternal rivals Barcelona in a feisty El Clásico with both of the teams coming to this match in stellar form. Barcelona, currently sitting third in the table are in a good run of form and a 15-game unbeaten streak. Real Madrid will be without their talismanic number nine, Karim Benzema for the match but they have shown their undying capabilities against some top teams this season. This is a great chance for Real Madrid to keep out the Catalan giants and win the game – cementing their position at the top of the pack.

PREVIEW

The hosts are unbeaten at home this season having a goal-scoring rate of 2.3 per game. Real Madrid approach this game with a 10-point lead at the top and in exceptional goal-scoring form. They disposed of Mallorca with a 3-0 margin in their last league game. Real Madrid have the best home record in La Liga this season, winning 10 and drawing four of their 14 matches to collect 34 points, while they have won each of their last four league games against Barcelona, including a 2-1 success at Camp Nou earlier this season.

Barcelona come into this game 15 points behind Los Blancos but in exemplary form and they are now a different side facing Real Madrid to the one in the home reverse. The Blaugrana won their last match against Galatasaray progressing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Xavi will prepare his men well for the Clasico as getting a positive result will increase their chances of finishing second, a place which will be seen as an achievement after an enduring season.

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid will be without star man and league top-scorer Karim Benzema after suffering a calf injury against Mallorca. Ferland Mendy will be also out against the Blaugrana with a groin injury. Rodrygo has recovered in time from his knock and will be in contention to start. Bale, Jovic, Mariano and Hazard are fit for the game and Ancelotti will face the dilemma of starting which attacker as a substitute for Benzema.

Predictions

Considering both the clubs in stellar goal-scoring form, both teams are expected to score. Barcelona’s defense looked shaky during the start of the season but they have improved recently. Real Madrid will be without a natural left-back but Nacho is a trustworthy utility player.

FT PREDICTION – REAL MADRID C.F. 2-1 FC BARCELONA