Spanish giants Barcelona take on their great rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday. Ahead of the first Clásico of the season.
Bellingham vs Romeu
Jude Bellingham has already proven his worth. Scoring eight goals and dishing up two assists in his first nine league appearances. Since his arrival, the Englishman has had an immediate impression. Doing well in the number 10 position, trailing just Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr. Oriol Romeu, though, will be pursuing him carefully this weekend in an attempt to press Bellingham and stop him from rushing the Barcelona backline.
Romeu plays a key role for Barcelona in defense, even though he wasn’t one of the team’s marquee acquisitions. In addition to helping out while playing out from the back, the Spaniard has been efficient at screening the backline. Romeu will still be facing the league’s most productive player. So he must be on the lookout for Bellingham’s late surges into the box. This El Clasico matchup might be decided by the outcome of this clash in the middle of the park, which will undoubtedly be exciting.
El Clasico Hot Battle
João Félix is expected to lead the charge for the hosts and face Antonio Rüdiger. While Robert Lewandowski will need to pass a late fitness test. Because of his physical superiority against Félix, the German center back will prevail in most aerial duels. Felix will, however, be used more as a false nine, dropping deep to drag Rüdiger out of position and provide space that the wingers may take advantage of.
This season, the 23-year-old has one goal and three assists, but his playmaking skill is maybe his greatest quality. Due to his excellent game reading, Rüdiger will try to intercept any passes that cross the line and end up at Félix’s feet. He won’t be afraid of Félix coming up from behind because he is also a very quick defender. Despite the fact that this is a very unusual clash in the El Clasico it is one to watch because both players are entering the match in excellent shape.
Vini vs Christensen
Vinícius has been used as a No. 9 with Rodrygo by Carlo Ancelotti following the departure of Karim Benzema. Even though he has put on some strong performances as a left attacker this season, Vinicius hasn’t contributed as many goals as you would have thought he would. The Brazilian’s new role gives him less defensive responsibilities and allows him to often wander into the left channel, where he is most threatening.
This weekend, Andreas Christensen will probably be handling the electrifying winger in the El Clasico. Since the Danish defender isn’t very quick, he will want to stay out of any one-on-one situations with Vinícius. Christensen is more than capable of flying in the air, and Xavi will tell the defender to stay in place so Vini can’t pass him.
