This Clasico, the fourth of the season, represents Real Madrid’s last chance to reopen the fight for the La Liga title and put further pressure on leaders Barcelona. With four games to go, Los Blancos are currently four points behind their historic rivals. A defeat at Montjuic would leave them with very little to play for, as the Blaugrana would move seven points clear. But even a draw would leave a bitter taste for Mbappé and his teammates, as they would only have nine points left to play for and, at that point, only a sporting “suicide” by the Catalans could cause an unlikely turnaround.
As reported in recent days by the main Spanish newspapers, this match will probably be Carlo Ancelotti’s last on the bench of the Madrid club. Whatever the outcome of the match, the Italian coach and Real Madrid will part ways a few weeks early, bringing an end to a glorious era. “King Carlo” is ready to embark on his new and intriguing adventure as Brazil coach, while Santiago Solari, the president’s right-hand man who has already filled the role in the past, is set to take the helm at Los Blancos. According to rumors, it will be up to him to lead Real in their last La Liga matches and in the Club World Cup. Then, Florentino Perez will almost certainly entrust the bench of the world’s most successful club to Xabi Alonso, fresh from his exciting experience in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Barça has won the three previous matches this season
Real Madrid arrive at Montjuic on the back of three consecutive league wins (Athletic Bilbao, Getafe, and Celta Vigo), all hard-fought but essential to keep their title hopes alive.
Their winning streak was interrupted by defeat in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona: in Seville on April 26, Hansi Flick’s team handed Ancelotti yet another disappointment this season, at the end of an exciting and explosive 3-2 match in which the Blaugrana came out on top in extra time. It was the second “cup in the face” for Real Madrid, who were also beaten in the Italian Super Cup final in January in Saudi Arabia, but with a much harsher score (5-2), along the lines of the clear 4-0 defeat in October in La Liga. The Merengues have the opportunity to “take revenge” by taking advantage of the fact that Barcelona has had little time to digest their elimination from the Champions League, which came during the week at the hands of Inter after another epic semi-final.
At San Siro, Barça once again showed both their strengths and weaknesses and saw their dream of returning to the final after 10 years disappear when Acerbi scored the equalizer in stoppage time (the Nerazzurri then took the lead in extra time with Frattesi, sealing the final score at 4-3).
No treble, then, for Flick and his men, who still have the chance to lift their third trophy after the Super Cup and Copa del Rey. Barcelona have won their last four league games and haven’t lost since December: the Catalans will face Real Madrid without Bernal, Casadò, and Koundé, while Balde and Lewandowski are expected to start. Ancelotti has his usual defensive problems, forced to adapt Tchouaméni to the center-back role. Up front, the trident of Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinicius Junior will start.
Odds comparison
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The prediction
Real Madrid are expected to show their pride in Ancelotti’s last game in charge of the club. However, it is difficult to imagine the Blancos pulling off a coup at Montjuic against a team that has beaten them every time this season and knows their weaknesses. In short, the Blaugrana remain slight favourites despite their cup exertions and Champions League disappointment: the fourth meeting between the sides this season should be another thrilling encounter. At least four goals are expected, with one for each side.
Probable line-ups for Barcelona vs Real Madrid
BARCELONA (4-3-3): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Cubarsì, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Pedri, de Jong, Dani Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
REAL MADRID (4-3-3): Courtois; Lucas Vasquez, Tchouaméni, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2