The upcoming El Clasico clash, set for Saturday in Seville as the Copa del Rey final, promises a high-caliber contest despite both teams facing absences. Key players like Barcelona`s Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid`s Eduardo Camavinga are sidelined due to injury. Nevertheless, both squads possess significant talent across various positions, setting the stage for a compelling tactical battle and raising the key question: which team holds the advantage in different areas of the field?
Although Barcelona has had the upper hand in their previous encounters this season, Real Madrid will be looking to reverse that trend in the final. While Barcelona has been impressive overall, specific positions might offer Real Madrid an opportunity to gain an advantage on Saturday.
As this latest Clasico approaches, let`s examine each position to determine where each team might have the upper hand.
Goalkeeper: Real Madrid
This position appears to be Real Madrid`s clearest strength and possibly their biggest advantage. Thibaut Courtois has consistently proven to be a decisive player for Los Blancos over the years, offering both dependable saves and spectacular stops, aided by his imposing height. His form contrasts with Barcelona`s situation, where Wojciech Szczesny has reportedly started ahead of Inaki Pena while Marc-Andre ter Stegen recovers. Szczesny has shown vulnerability to errors since returning, including a red card incident earlier in the season, making him a less reliable option, often saved by his team`s attacking power.
Defenders: Barcelona
This area is arguably the most balanced between the two sides, reflected in their similar defensive statistics in the league. However, Real Madrid`s defensive injuries this season tip the scale slightly in Barcelona`s favor. Both teams field a combination of a young player alongside an experienced partner at center back, but Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona appears to be currently ahead of Real Madrid`s Raul Ascensio in development. Furthermore, Real Madrid`s full-back positions seem less settled, partly due to injuries, while Barcelona`s Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have performed solidly and contributed notably to the attack throughout the season.
Midfielders: Barcelona
Barcelona`s primary strength lies in their midfield. Although the text mentions teen sensation Lamine Yamal here (who typically plays as a forward/winger), the general point about Barcelona`s midfield depth holds. They have a variety of influential players, including regulars such as Fermin Lopez and even Frenkie de Jong, who has sometimes been rotated. While Real Madrid benefits from Jude Bellingham`s excellent form, they have faced challenges replacing Toni Kroos and have occasionally struggled when relying on an older Luka Modric. Barcelona is expected to focus on controlling the midfield as a core strategy, especially against a Real Madrid side that has sometimes found it difficult to move the ball effectively in major matches this season.
Forwards: Real Madrid
If both teams were at full strength, the attacking comparison would be debatable. However, Barcelona`s prospects without their top scorer, Robert Lewandowski (40 goals this season), are uncertain. While Raphinha (30 goals) and Ferran Torres (17 goals) provide significant attacking support, the absence of Lewandowski potentially gives Real Madrid`s formidable front three – Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo – an opportunity to dominate. Despite an inconsistent season for them at times, this trio has collectively scored 68 goals and is exceptionally difficult to contain when performing at their best.
