Whether you enjoy it or not you can't argue that the Clásico is one of the biggest games in football every season. Barcelona and Real Madrid meet at least twice a season in La Liga, but more often than not, they've been playing more than that. At this point though, Saturday's match at the Bernabéu is one of two meetings between the Spanish rivals this season.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, 2014 El Clásico: Time, TV schedule and team news
The first meeting of the season between these two Spanish rivals features some interesting storylines, including the availability of a certain Uruguayan striker.
David Ramos
The biggest storyline entering the match is the status of Luis Suárez who is done with his suspension earned during the World Cup. Luis Enrique has refused to say what his plans are for the striker, saying only that he expects him to get some minutes. Chances are he won't start, but you never really know. Barca's bigger issue is at the back where Sergio Busquets is apparently set to play. If he's back, it's a huge boost as it allows Javier Mascherano to stay on the backline.
Real Madrid won't have Gareth Bale available, which means James Rodriguez will likely get a chance to shine in his first Clásico. The Madrid attack looked just fine without Bale in their mid-week win over Liverpool, but everything is different when they're playing Barcelona.
Key Player: Gerard Piqué (Barcelona)
This entire paragraph could end up being pointless if Piqué doesn't start and there's a chance he might if Busquets can play. Chances are though, Enrique will play the veteran defender and if he does, it's time for Piqué to step it up. He's been in terrible form this season, but thanks to injuries he's been playing more regularly recently. That's not been a positive in general, which is still a little strange to say. To be safe, let's also say that if Piqué is on the bench, the pressure will be on Marc Bartra or Jeremy Mathieu to have a big game. No matter who is on the back line, they're going to be tested by madrid.
Key Matchup: Madrid’s speed and counter attack vs. Barcelona defense
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Barcelona's only loss this season came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League when the Parisians exposed the Barca defense with speed and creativity. Madrid have even more weapons than PSG and should give Barca far more problems. It's another big test for the Blaugrana back line to see if the improvements we've seen are more window dressing that won't stand-up against Europe's best clubs. If Barca can't deal with Madrid's quickness and their lethal counters, it could be a long day.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Gareth Bale (muscle), Jesé (knee). In Doubt: Sergio Ramos (calf).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Adriano (thigh), Douglas (foot), Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring).
Barcelona’s back line is beat-up with three backup defenders doubtful for Saturday. Adriano missed the mid-week match due to his thigh, and will probably be out again this weekend. Gareth Bale is out with a strained buttock muscle and Sergio Ramos is a big doubt with a calf strain. If Ramos can’t go, Pepe and Raphaël Varane are the likely central defensive combo.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), beIN Sports (Canada), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), Canal+ Liga/HD, Canal+ Yomvi, GOL T
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.), beIN Sports CONNECT (Canada), Gol Stadium (Spain)
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