The race for the La Liga title could see a decisive turn this Sunday as Real Madrid and Barcelona meet for the season`s final El Clasico. However, the context for both major Spanish clubs has dramatically shifted just this past week.
Barcelona`s aspirations for a treble are now over after their elimination from the Champions League by Inter Milan. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms for Real Madrid`s future coaching setup, fueled by news of Xabi Alonso`s departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the season`s conclusion, sparking speculation about a move to Madrid.
Serving as a defining match in the league calendar, this Clasico is a critical juncture for both sides aiming to rescue their respective seasons. Barcelona can move past their European disappointment and still consider the season a success by taking a step closer to securing a domestic double. Conversely, Real Madrid is heavily invested in this game, determined to avoid a season without any major trophies, a situation they haven`t faced since the 2020-21 campaign when Atletico Madrid claimed the La Liga title.
With reports indicating Kylian Mbappe`s expected arrival before the season, Real Madrid`s attack was anticipated to lead them to glory. While that hasn`t fully materialized, this Clasico might represent a final significant performance opportunity under Carlo Ancelotti. Given his expected move to the Brazil national team job and Real`s four-point deficit behind Barcelona in La Liga, this match is a crucial test of the team`s capability under his leadership.
This season for Real Madrid has been characterized by attempts to find the optimal starting lineup while managing injuries, and the team hasn`t consistently hit top form. Matches against Barcelona have been particularly challenging, resulting in four consecutive losses for `Los Blancos`. There`s no better moment to change this trend, but the defense is under pressure, particularly with Antonio Rudiger suspended for the season`s remainder. If players like Mbappe and Vinicius Junior can exploit Barcelona`s high defensive line, Real Madrid could potentially turn the title race into a contest. However, the current Real Madrid side lacks the clinical finishing shown by Inter Milan, who scored seven goals against Barcelona across two legs.
Barcelona could face difficulties if coach Flick struggles to refocus his youthful squad following the Champions League exit. Yet, even a loss in this match wouldn`t be fatal for their La Liga prospects; winning their final three league fixtures would guarantee the title and a domestic double. With talents like Raphinha, regarded as one of La Liga`s best players this season, and the highly promising Lamine Yamal, seen as a future global star, Barcelona is progressing positively. Nevertheless, navigating these mental hurdles is vital for their development.
Flick has largely been effective in steering Barcelona towards success this season. However, when integrating teenagers into key roles, their response to setbacks provides a true measure of the team`s character. Similar to Real Madrid, Barcelona has dealt with injuries and squad rotation, but their reserve players have effectively secured points. With Robert Lewandowski not at peak fitness, Flick`s side will need to summon extra resilience once more. The stakes are significant, involving the La Liga title and the chance to deny Ancelotti a potentially symbolic farewell victory.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, May 11
- Time: 10:15 a.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- TV: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: Barcelona +100; Draw +300; Real Madrid +220
