A new era is loading at Camp Nou because, as we all know, their star attraction is now out of the equation. Lionel Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in the summer of 2021 as the club couldn’t afford to keep him under their books. While they have struggled without him, with fresh concerns over Ronald Koeman’s future, El Clasico is bound to take a new shape and form considering the stars that once played against each other in this heavyweight clash.

Matchday 10 of 38

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Luis Suarez, among others, were once top attractions at El Clasico with both teams scripting last-minute thrillers and record-breaking performances. Now with a different squad and a few old stars, one will have to wait and see how the new-age format of El Clasico will turn out to be. Will Los Blancos reign supreme at Camp Nou or will Barca manage the heat and hold things together? 

The answers for the same will be clear when this historic clash sets place in a new era. An era that is taking shape slowly and steadily with a majority of fans showcasing their disappointment over how things have changed within a short period of time. While the clash ignites some form of excitement, one will have to see if the same old fire is present at Camp Nou. 

Date and Venue

Barcelona Vs Real Madrid will take place on the 25th of Oct at Camp Nou on match day 10 of 38.

Barcelona Vs Real Madrid: Team Analysis

1. The forward lineup

Assessing the forward attack of both these teams will help you get an idea of how they are bound to attack and from where the opportunities will arrive from. While Real Madrid looks solid with the likes of Karim Benzema, Vini Jr, Rodrygo and so on, Barcelona is beginning to witness the rise of Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati and Philippe Countinho while Sergio Aguero has just made his debut for the club. 

As a result, both these teams have quality in attack and will look to their midfielders to assist them with balls that can eventually go in as goals. While Madrid seems like they have some form of advantage, disregarding Barca will do no good in assessing an El Clasico that is going to pave the way for the new future.

2. Defensive Abilities

While the departure of players like Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos is bound to create an impact, Real Madrid has managed to make things work with David Alaba, Marcelo, Mendy and a host of other players who showcase Madrid’s defensive capabilities. Thanks to them, Madrid have conceded only 10 goals from 8 games while they have launched 22 goals into the opposition’s net.

On the other hand, we have Barcelona with the ageing Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti and other players who have allowed 8 goals to enter the net from 8 games while their forwards have put in 14 goals. 

3. Carlos Ancelotti Vs Ronald Koeman

The return of Carlos Ancelotti has hit different chords with fans welcoming back their manager who couldn't resist leaving Everton when Madrid came calling. He is back to face La Liga and go head-to-head against Ronald Koeman as they both face each other in El Clasico. While Ancelotti’s career does not seem to lie in the same shape as Koeman’s Sunday’s El Clasico will decide a few things for the future. 

Will Ronald Koeman make the better of Ancelotti or will the Los Blancos manager leave fans at Camp Nou disappointed? Well, we will have to wait and see. 

4. Previous Meeting (Barcelona Vs Real Madrid / 2-1 / 11th April 2021)

The last time Barcelona and Real Madrid played each other was at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, where goals from Benzema and Toni Kroos put Madrid ahead in a 2-1 victory over Barcelona. While a lot has changed since April, the new era will share similarities with the past and one will have to wait and see how things turn out to be.

Barcelona Vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head

As we all know, Barcelona and Madrid have played out some of the best football games of all time which is indicated in their head-to-head record. Both teams come close to each other in terms of wins, while Madrid has enjoyed recent success, taking them a step further. 

Barcelona Vs Real Madrid: Recent Form

In terms of recent form, one is quite aware of the dismal start that Barcelona has experienced so far. Having lost two of their games in the Champions League, Barcelona sits last in Group E and very few have them as favourites to win the title. However, they did manage to find a 3-1 victory against Valencia which has taken them to 7th position in La Liga, with a 2 point difference between Madrid. 

Madrid, on the other hand, did lose to Sheriff in the Champions League, which took them down to the second spot in the group stage. But when it comes to La Liga, they sit second on the table by gaining 17 points from 8 games and have only lost once. With upcoming Champions League matches set to test both Barcelona and Real Madrid, Sunday’s clash will be awaited based on their performance during the week.