Some of the best theater in world football takes the stage again this weekend as Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their bitter rivalry Saturday (10 a.m. ET, beIn Sports).
Table watch: Barcelona needs to make up a little ground. Real Madrid hasn’t tasted defeat this season, and that fast start has it six points clear of the Catalans roughly a third of the way through the schedule.
Team news: Barcelona will have pretty much its first-choice team available, including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in attack. Andres Iniesta returned to training this week, and could also feature at the Camp Nou. Samuel Umtiti, with an injured hamstring, will miss the match, however.
Madrid has more significant injury concerns, namely Gareth Bale. His injured ankle will keep him out of action until spring. Thankfully for Zinedine Zidane, he has other attacking options on which to call. Toni Kroos will also miss out, and Pepe, Raphael Varane and Casemiro are injury doubts as well.
They said it, part one: “Regardless of the result, I don’t think anyone could say it’s decisive. It’s the 14th game of the season. Clearly Madrid could take a very interesting lead but whatever the result I don’t think it will be determinant in the league. The game is a chance to beat Real Madrid and to get closer to the top of the table, nothing more.” — Barcelona manager Luis Enrique
They said it, part two: “It’s a dream for all the players, to be able to play in a Clásico. You only get two a year. And everyone wants to play. Me too as coach, I want to be involved. There’s so much expectation. We can’t wait to play.” — Zidane
Analysis: The six-point cushion is a double-edged sword. It could relax Real Madrid, allowing them to enter the cauldron of the Camp Nou and play without the usual amount of pressure. It could also cause them to lose focus, and to play without the usual sense of urgency. Having points in the bag can do that to a team.
For Barcelona, the mission is clear. A win is a must to keep within touching distance of Madrid. Luis Enrique’s men will be determined, and the crowd will be roaring. Barcelona has a little more incentive and fewer injuries with which to contend. Messi and company are the pick here.
Prediction: Barcelona 2, Real Madrid 1
