El Clásico is more than just a football match; it’s a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions around the world. On October 26, 2024, the rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona reignited at the Santiago Bernabéu, promising another chapter in this storied competition. Fans, players, and pundits alike were buzzing with anticipation as the two giants prepared to clash.
El Clasico gets its first run of this campaign on Saturday with Real Madrid hosting Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga. The Catalan giants lead the way and have been better than their capital rivals so far this term, but Carlo Ancelotti's men are only three points behind in second place which makes this a key encounter. Win and Real have made up ground on Barca which even a few weeks ago seemed unlikely given the fast start under Hansi Flick, but a draw or win for the visitors really gives them a strong title race advantage.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, October 26 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabeu - Madrid, Spain
- Watch: ESPN Deportes | Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Real have not been anywhere near their best level of late but they remain unbeaten with seven wins and three draws from their 10 La Liga outings to sit second. Barca have won nine of 10 games despite significant injury issues which gives them a three-point lead coming into this one. The visitors are top scorers in La Liga with 33 goals to average better than three goals per game which will be what Los Merengues attempt to address. Real face Valencia, Osasuna and Milan before the November international break while Barca take on Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Crvena Zvezda before the next break.
Team news
Real: Courtois and Rodrygo have both been ruled out post-Bayern so Andriy Lunin will step in between the sticks and Bellingham could sit behind a front two of Mbappe and Vini Jr. Bellingham has not scored yet this year but Vinicius and Mbappe both have eight goals. Brahim Diaz could return to the squad after injury to provide Ancelotti with another option but David Alaba and Dani Carvajal miss out along with Courtois and Rodrygo.
Possible Real XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe.
Barca: Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo and Gavi are all fit and could be on the bench for El Clasico. Marc Casado should continue in midfield alongside Pedri while Fermin Lopez could take a No. 10 role. Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all miss out but Eric Garcia could return. Robert Lewandowski has been prolific with 15 goals across 13 appearances in all competitions leading the line.
Possible Barca XI: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
The Build-Up
Leading up to the match, both teams had shown glimpses of brilliance in their domestic and European campaigns. Real Madrid, under the astute management of Carlo Ancelotti, was riding high on a wave of momentum, fueled by a mix of experienced veterans and emerging young talent. On the other hand, Barcelona, rejuvenated by Xavi’s tactical acumen and a fresh influx of dynamic players, sought to prove that they could once again dominate Spanish football.
The stakes were high. A victory would not only secure bragging rights but also have significant implications for the La Liga title race. Both teams were neck-and-neck in the league standings, making this clash all the more crucial.
The Match
As the players took to the pitch, the atmosphere in the Bernabéu was electric. The roar of the crowd reverberated, a testament to the passion that this fixture evokes. The first half was a tactical battle, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Real Madrid's defense, led by the experienced David Alaba, looked solid, while Barcelona's young stars, including Pedri and Gavi, showcased their flair and creativity.
In the 34th minute, Madrid struck first. A brilliant counter-attack saw VinÃcius Júnior sprint down the left flank, weaving past defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross to Rodrigo, who headed the ball into the net. The stadium erupted, and it seemed that the home side was poised to take control.
However, Barcelona responded swiftly. Just before halftime, a brilliant piece of play from Ansu Fati saw him cut inside and unleash a curling shot that left Thibaut Courtois no chance. The equalizer sent the traveling fans into a frenzy, and the first half ended level at 1-1.
The Second Half
The second half continued at a frenetic pace. Both managers made tactical adjustments, and the match unfolded with moments of brilliance on both sides. Real Madrid looked to exploit their height advantage from set pieces, while Barcelona aimed to control possession and create chances through intricate passing.
In the 67th minute, a moment of magic from Barcelona’s captain, Robert Lewandowski, turned the tide. A sublime flick over the defender’s head and a quick shot from the edge of the box found the back of the net, giving Barcelona a 2-1 lead. The Polish striker’s experience shone through, and it felt as though the momentum had shifted in Barcelona’s favor.
Real Madrid, undeterred, pressed forward. The final minutes were a frantic affair, with Madrid pushing for an equalizer. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Courtois even ventured up for a late corner, adding an extra body to the box. However, Barcelona’s defense held firm, and with a final whistle from the referee, the Catalans secured a 2-1 victory.
Aftermath and Implications
The win not only gave Barcelona crucial points in the title race but also served as a significant confidence boost as they continued their resurgence under Xavi. For Real Madrid, it was a tough pill to swallow, but there were positive signs to build on as they look forward to the rest of the season.
El Clásico once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most thrilling encounters in football. As fans dissect the match, celebrate the highlights, and lament missed opportunities, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is far from over. With the season still in its early stages, there will surely be more drama and excitement to come. Until next time, the world of football will eagerly await the next clash of these titans!
