Memphis Depay: ‘El Clásico is the most watched match in the world’
Memphis Depay talks about El Clásico ahead of the game.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Line-ups
Barcelona
Real Madrid
Not Set to Be Barca’s Day
#1
By sinking the Ukrainian champions on their own turf, Barcelona posted back-to-back wins for the first time since April, and the success over Valencia has elevated Koeman’s side to seventh in the rankings – one point behind Rayo Vallecano and two adrift of Osasuna – both of whom have played a game more.
#2
Koeman’s side have hardly covered themselves in glory since the first season of the post-Lionel Messi era kicked off, but one defeat from their opening eight La Liga games is hardly an abysmal record, and they have also taken 13 points from a possible 15 at home in the league this term.
#3
Defeat to a resurgent Espanyol side after a goalless stalemate with Villarreal has seen Ancelotti’s side cede their place at the top of the rankings to Real Sociedad – who have played a game more – and the second-placed Blancos are now three points behind the table-toppers ahead of El Clasico.
#4
Sociedad must prepare for battle against champions Atletico Madrid a few hours after El Clasico, though, so top scorers Real Madrid – whose tally of 22 goals is by far the most in the division so far – travel to Catalonia in the knowledge that a priceless three points could very well see them return to the top of the pile.
#5
Prior to defeat at Espanyol, Real Madrid had posted an 18-game unbeaten run away from home in La Liga and have also strung together a three-game winning run in El Clasico, but precedent will count for nothing in front of a fired-up Camp Nou faithful here.
DPP Verdict
With Benzema on song and Vinicius Junior finally living up to the hype, Real’s status as top scorers in the division is hardly a surprise, and their three-game winning run in El Clasico will certainly inspire confidence within the ranks. Barcelona have posted a set of strong results at home and are more than capable of giving Los Blancos a good run for their money, but Koeman’s side have looked convincing in very few matches this term, and we expect them to fall short in front of their own fans.
