When: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET (beIN Sport USA)
The best rivalry in sport? It's hard to argue otherwise based on the history between these two teams and the fact they currently boast the two most gifted players on the planet—Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Madrid.
Ronaldo was emphatically the victor in Wednesday's Clasico meeting, which saw Madrid sack Camp Nou and raise further questions as to whether Barca's reign as the rulers of world football is coming to an end.
It was the sixth game running Ronaldo has scored at the home of Madrid's great rivals and the 12th match in a row that Barca have failed to keep a clean sheet (Guardian).
Barca's lead atop La Liga is unassailable, but this edition of the rivalry is about pride, not points. Barca will want to strike back and silence their critics. Jose Mourinho will want his Madrid side to continue their momentum into Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Manchester United.
Madrid will also want a victory to put pressure on city rivals Atletico, who are currently four points ahead and occupying second place.
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Team news:
Real Madrid are set to make several changes for Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona to conserve energy for the midweek Champions League trip to Manchester United. Marcelo, Luka Modric, Kaka and Karim Benzema could all feature after missing out in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win at Camp Nou on Tuesday. Defender Sergio Ramos returns after serving a one-match ban, but winger Angel Di Maria is ineligible after his red card against Deportivo La Coruna.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is expected to start despite missing training with a fever on Wednesday.Defender Adriano (hamstring) is available while midfielder Alex Song (knee) is a minor doubt.
Expected starting line-up
Real Madrid
Starting line-up D. López Á. Arbeloa Pepe S. Ramos Marcelo M. Essien L. Modric J. Callejón Kaká Cristiano Ronaldo K. Benzema
Barcelona
Starting line-up Víctor Valdés Dani Alves G. Piqué J. Mascherano J. Alba S. Busquets Thiago A. Iniesta Pedro D. Villa L. Messi
The best rivalry in sport? It's hard to argue otherwise based on the history between these two teams and the fact they currently boast the two most gifted players on the planet—Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Madrid.
Ronaldo was emphatically the victor in Wednesday's Clasico meeting, which saw Madrid sack Camp Nou and raise further questions as to whether Barca's reign as the rulers of world football is coming to an end.
It was the sixth game running Ronaldo has scored at the home of Madrid's great rivals and the 12th match in a row that Barca have failed to keep a clean sheet (Guardian).
Barca's lead atop La Liga is unassailable, but this edition of the rivalry is about pride, not points. Barca will want to strike back and silence their critics. Jose Mourinho will want his Madrid side to continue their momentum into Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Manchester United.
Madrid will also want a victory to put pressure on city rivals Atletico, who are currently four points ahead and occupying second place.
__________
Team news:
Real Madrid are set to make several changes for Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona to conserve energy for the midweek Champions League trip to Manchester United. Marcelo, Luka Modric, Kaka and Karim Benzema could all feature after missing out in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win at Camp Nou on Tuesday. Defender Sergio Ramos returns after serving a one-match ban, but winger Angel Di Maria is ineligible after his red card against Deportivo La Coruna.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is expected to start despite missing training with a fever on Wednesday.Defender Adriano (hamstring) is available while midfielder Alex Song (knee) is a minor doubt.
Expected starting line-up
Real Madrid
Starting line-up D. López Á. Arbeloa Pepe S. Ramos Marcelo M. Essien L. Modric J. Callejón Kaká Cristiano Ronaldo K. Benzema
Barcelona
Starting line-up Víctor Valdés Dani Alves G. Piqué J. Mascherano J. Alba S. Busquets Thiago A. Iniesta Pedro D. Villa L. Messi
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