Lineups are out ahead of today’s first Clásico of the season as Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to kick-off within the hour at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Lineups
Carlo Ancelotti has shifted to a 4-3-3 dropping Karim Benzema and handing Gareth Bale his first Clásico start. Xavi, Iniesta and Fábregas all start for Barca.
Denis Doyle
The only big surprise from Gerardo Martino’s lineup today is the inclusion of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fábregas. This could move Lionel Messi out to the right to get him away from congestion or could move Iniesta to the wing, with Fabregas playing in midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti has decided that Gareth Bale is fit and ready to play as the Welshman gets the start in the attack along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ángel Di Maria at the top of a 4-3-3 formation. Ancelotti goes with Luka Modrić in league games and replaces Asier Illarramendi with Pepe in the midfield. Karim Benzema has been dropped completely.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdés; Adriano, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas; Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Neymar
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Diego Lopéz; Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Dani Carvajal; Sami Khedira, Pepe, Luka Modrić; Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Ángel Di Maria.
Just a reminder, you can watch the match on beIN Sport, beIN Sport en Español or beIN Sport Play (online) in the USA. Sky Sports 2 has the game in the UK while GolTV has it in Canada and Canal+ Liga will have coverage in Spain.
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