Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Preview ,prediction, team news, lineups, key player to miss the clash
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The latest instalment of El Clasico will take place in New Jersey on Saturday evening, with bitter rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona locking horns for a glamour friendly.
Real Madrid opened their preparations for the new season with a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan on Wednesday, while Barcelona drew 2-2 with Manchester City in their first friendly of the summer.
Match preview
Two months after their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, Real Madrid began their preparations for the 2024-25 season with a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the reigning Spanish and European champions will continue their US tour facing Barcelona and Chelsea before returning to Spain to prepare for the UEFA Super Cup against Europa League winners Atalanta BC on August 14. Real Madrid's La Liga campaign kicks off against Mallorca on August 18, marking a quick turnaround for the club. Despite a quiet summer, Real Madrid strengthened their attack with Endrick and Kylian Mbappe but saw key departures like Nacho and Toni Kroos. With Mbappe joining an already formidable lineup, Real Madrid is poised to be the team to beat in Spain and Europe in the 2024-25 season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona began their pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, winning the subsequent penalty shootout 4-1. New signing Pau Victor scored alongside Pablo Torre, giving new head coach Hansi Flick some positive headaches ahead of the season. Barcelona's pre-season continues with friendlies against AC Milan on August 6 and Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 12. They will start their La Liga season against Valencia on August 17. Although quiet in the transfer market, Barcelona is advancing in their pursuit of Dani Olmo but may miss out on Nico Williams. The upcoming season promises to be fascinating as Barcelona transitions into a new era under Flick.
Team News
Kylian Mbappe is not with the Real Madrid squad in the United States, as he was given an extended break following his participation in Euro 2024. However, Endrick made his debut against Milan and is expected to lead the line in his first Clasico appearance. Arda Guler, Luka Modric, and Antonio Rudiger are likely starters, while Dani Ceballos, despite rumors about his future, is set to stay and could feature in central midfield. Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga will not be part of the US tour, but Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao should join the squad soon. fortunately, Cesar Palacios is returning to Madrid after suffering a serious knee injury.
For Barcelona, several key players, including Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Ansu Fati, are out due to injury. Raphinha, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jules Kounde will join the squad ahead of the match. Alejandro Balde, who recently returned from injury against Man City, could start, along with Robert Lewandowski and Inigo Martinez. Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal are on extended breaks after playing for Spain at Euro 2024, while Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia, and Pau Cubarsi are representing their national team at the Olympics. Pau Victor, who scored on his debut against Man City, might retain his starting role.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Courtois; Vazquez, Vallejo, Rudiger, F Garcia; Modric, Martin, Ceballos; Guler, Endrick, Diaz
Barcelona possible starting lineup:Ter Stegen; Kounde, I Martinez, Lenglet, Balde; Casado, Torre, Gundogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Victor
Predictions : Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona
Matches between these two sides always mean something, even pre-season friendlies, and neither manager will want to lose, that is for certain. We are expecting it to be an entertaining affair between two strong outfits, with the spoils potentially being shared on Saturday evening.
