BAR vs RM Match Details
Date: Wednesday 17 May 2023 / Thursday, 18 May 2023
Time: 16:15 (CET) / 19:45 (IST)
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
BAR vs RM Match Preview
After not qualifying for the knockouts in the last two seasons, Barcelona are in a prime position to do so this time sitting top of their Champions League group. They made it three wins out of three in the group stages by picking a 2-1 victory over Shakhter in the midweek. First-half strikes from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez confirmed the victory but the Catalan giants get ready to host the biggest game of the season domestically in their makeshift home for the first time. Placed third on the table with 24 points they face Real Madrid, a point more on top, in the campaign’s first El Clasico. Having finished 10 points ahead of Los Blancos to secure the La Liga title last time, Xavi's side will hope to lay down a marker in this early title decider after staying unbeaten in the first 10 league games. They also have won all five games so far at the Olímpic Lluís not finding it difficult away from the original home Camp Nou under renovation. Barcelona don’t want any different outcome this weekend having won four of the last six meetings facing their arch-rivals.
Like Barcelona, Real Madrid also maintained the first place in their Champions League group with a 2-1 victory in their trip to Portuguese side Braga. Jude Bellingham was once again on the scoresheet to add to Rodrygo’s first-half strike for the victory and they have a chance now to seal their place in the Round of 16. The England international has been in sensational form this season scoring 11 goals and three assists in all competitions with eight of those coming in La Liga. Bellingham will play his first El Classico and also face Barcelona for the first time with any club before, hoping to be on the winning front in this meeting. Although Real Madrid have won just one of the two games against the clubs competing in the Champions League from Spain this season, they will want a different outcome than their trips to Sevilla (1-1 draw) and Atletico Madrid (3-1 loss). Los Blancos are confident to maintain the top spot of the La Liga table boasting the best defensive record with just seven goals conceded although Barcelona outscores the guests slightly with 22 goals to 21.
Recent Form (all competitions)
BAR: WWDWW
RM: WDWWW
Recent Form (La Liga)
BAR: WDWDW
RM: DWWWL
BAR vs RM Team News
Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski remain a doubt for the Clasico this weekend as they recover from an ankle problem. The pair could make the bench if not in the starting eleven against Real Madrid. Jules Koundé, Sergi Roberto and Pedri all are unavailable for selection but Raphinha could return to the squad overcoming a hamstring problem. Joao Felix could also start up front shaking off the knock he sustained against Shakhter in the Champions League.
Real Madrid also have a fair share of injury concern with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao ruled out for the long-term with ACL injuries. Dani Ceballos will miss out with a muscular issue while Arda Guler is back in training after recovering from a thigh problem. However, the 18-year-old is unlikely to be involved this weekend. Despite suffering an injury scare in the midweek, Jude Bellingham has confirmed his availability for the game. Striker Joselu should also recover from his illness.
BAR vs RM Predicted Lineups
FCB: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Felix, Ferran Torres
RMA: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
BAR vs RM Head-to-Head
Played - 93
FCB won - 51
Drawn - 20
RMA won - 22
(At Barcelona in La Liga)
BAR vs RM Dream11 Prediction
GK: Ter Stegen (7.5)
DEF: Carvajal (7.5), Alaba (8), Cancelo (9)
MID: Bellingham (9), Gundogan (8.5), Kroos (8), Gavi (8)
FW: Torres (8), Felix (8.5), Vini Jr (9)
Vice-captain: Joao Felix
Captain: Jude Bellingham
