Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will play their final El Clasico match of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. The game will begin at 2:00 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the season's first La Liga El Clasico match at Camp Nou on October 24, 2021. Madrid now lead the La Liga points table with 66 points, while Barcelona are in third place with 51 points. Let's take a look at the Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2022 La Liga match preview and team news.
FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted Team Lineups
Real Madrid is dealing with injury issues ahead of their match against Barcelona. Their star striker, Karim Benzema is doubtful for the season's last El Clasico, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti will keep an eye on his situation until the very last second. Apart from him, Brazilian winger, Rodrygo, and French defender, Ferland Mendy are both doubtful for this Clasico match.
Probable Starting XI (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois (GK), Dani Carvajal (RB), Eder Militao (CB), Nacho (CB), David Alaba (LB), Toni Kroos (CM), Casemiro (CM), Luka Modric (CM), Marco Asensio (FW), Karim Benzema (FW), Vinicius Junior (FW).
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At the present, there are no big injuries in the Barcelona team. According to reports, experienced defender Gerard Pique has a small injury, but it is not a serious one, and he should be fit for the Real Madrid match. The team's spirits are high after a 4-0 win over Osasuna on Monday, (March 14).
Predicted Playing XI (Barcelona)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK), Dani Alves (RB), Gerard Pique (CB), Eric Garcia (CB), Jordi Alba (LB), Sergio Busquets (CM), Pedri (CM), Gavi (CM), Ousmane Dembele (RW), Ferran Torres (LW), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (FW)
Head-to-Head: Real Madrid vs Barcelona
The forthcoming match between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be their 184th La Liga El Clasico. Real Madrid lead the rivalry with 76 victories, while Barcelona have 72 victories. The last 35 games were all drawn. Both teams have met a total of 281 times across all competitions. Real Madrid have won 104 matches, with 62 of them ending in a draw. Barcelona have won 115 matches, while Real Madrid have won 104.
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Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2022: match prediction
Real Madrid have won five straight games, including the second leg of their Champions League tie with PSG. As a result, they are on fire right now. The ideal formation for the Los Blancos is 4-4-3. They thrashed PSG with this setup, and they will want to do the same against arch-rivals FC Barcelona. However, Real Madrid could afford to take it easy against Barcelona because they have led the points standings by ten points. Madrid would want to draw rather than lose the match against Barcelona.
On the other hand, Barcelona have gone undefeated in their previous ten games, including major victories against Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli. Xavi's Barcelona have rediscovered their stride since late January and have put in some inspiring performances. Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati are among Blaugrana's most gifted young players.
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These young talents are the club's future, and they have made great progress this season. Barcelona will strive to have the majority of the ball and will play possession-based football. Their preferred formation is the 4-3-3, but they can also play in a 4-2-3-1 if needed. The outcome of the match will have no impact on the La Liga standings. As a result, open play is expected in this match.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona
Verdict
Karim Benzema of Real Madrid is perhaps the best clutch player in the world right now. He has been on a different level since Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club in 2018. Benzema has been Real Madrid's key man for the past four years, helping the club win several critical matches. Benzema, Luka Modric, and Vinicius Junior will be vital for Real Madrid in this encounter.
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Oppositely, Xavi has been successful in instilling his philosophy in the Barcelona players. More importantly, the players have reacted with some outstanding on-field performances. Overall, football fans may expect an interesting Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2022 El Clasico match.