Real Madrid take on Barcelona on Saturday in the first El Clasico of the season, with Luis Suarez making his eagerly awaited debut.
The rivalry between the two clubs makes this the biggest game in world football, but even more eyes will be on the Bernabeu this weekend with the galaxy of stars coming up against each other in one of the most talked about El Clasico’s in the history of the fixture.
Barcelona new boy Suarez is finally eligible to face Real at the Bernabeu after serving his four-month ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
Barca coach Luis Enrique has confirmed the former Liverpool star will make his debut, and – if he starts the match – he is likely to line up alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar for the first time in Barca’s deadly-looking front three.
Messi is excited at the prospect of linking up with Uruguay star Suarez for the first time.
“We are excited for Luis to play because he will add his strength to the team,’ said Messi. “I’m happy for him because he has spent a long time off the pitch.”
The game pits the two best players in the world against each other with Messi leading Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo the key man for Real.
Messi could make yet more history on Saturday as he sits just one goal adrift of Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 goals in the Spanish top flight and achieving the record against bitter rivals Real would make it all the more special.
Ronaldo, who has scored 15 goals in seven La Liga this season, has played down talk that the match will be decided between himself and Messi.
“It will be a difficult match because Barcelona are playing well,” said Ronaldo “I’m not going to play against Messi, I’m going to play against Barcelona.
“They are a great team. Real Madrid and Barcelona are playing each other.”
El Clasico stats
- Lionel Messi is the all time leading goal scorer with 21 goals in El Clasicos
- Real Madrid’s biggest league win against Barcelona is 8-2 in Feb 1935
- Barcelona’s biggest league victory vs Real Madrid is 7-2 in Sep 1950
The World Cup’s top scorer James Rodrigiuez will get his first taste of El Clasico after his big money to Real from Monaco in the summer.
Barcelona go into the game still unbeaten in La Liga sitting at the top of the table four points clear of Real and a win would make them firm favourites to clinch the title.
After suffering back-to-back defeats in La Liga to Real Sociead and Atletico Madrid in the opening three weeks of the season, Real have embarked on an eight-game winning run in all competitions.
Ronaldo has been the inspiration in that winning run with the Ballon d’or winner having scored a staggering 21 goals already this season.
Barcelona did the double over Real in La Liga last season winning 2-1 at the Camp Nou before prevailing 4-3 in the Bernabeu.
However, Real enjoyed some revenge when they beat their Catalan rivals in the Copa del Rey final 2-1 thanks to Gareth Bale’s stunning winner.
Real will have to do without Bale this weekend as the Welshman is recovering from a buttock muscle strain which forced him to miss the midweek Champions League win over Liverpool.
Real are also sweating on the fitness of key defender Sergio Ramos after he missed the trip to Anfield with a calf problem and if he fails to recover in time Pepe will continue in central defence alongside young Frenchman Raphael Varane.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has no fresh injury worries to contend with ahead of the game with his biggest dilemma whether or not to start Suarez from the first whistle.
If Suarez starts Pedro is likely to drop to the bench with El Clasico veteran Xavi also set to be among the substitutes.
