Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said that Luis Suarez would play a part in El Clásico, but most didn't expect him to start. But instead of waiting to introduce him, Enrique has thrown him into the starting XI against Real Madrid, alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar in attack.
Luis Suarez starts El Clásico for Barcelona; Real Madrid lineup has no surprises
In his first game eligible to play for FC Barcelona’s first team, Luis Suarez starts. He’ll join the other Barca superstars up top against Real Madrid, who line up as expected.
There are other surprises in the Barca lineup as well. Sergio Busquets is fit to start, meaning Javier Mascherano plays in defense. Whether Jordi Alba is not quite fit or Enrique wanted a more defensive team isn't clear, but Jeremy Mathieu has moved to fullback.
Meanwhile, there's nothing surprising about the Real Madrid team. Gareth Bale can't play, so Isco and James Rodriguez both start. They're likely shifting into a 4-4-2, with Cristiano Ronaldo up top.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-4-2): Iker Casillas; Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Dani Carvajal; Isco, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez; Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3): Claudio Bravo; Jeremy Mathieu, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta; Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez
The game kicks off at noon ET, 6 p.m. local time from the Santiago Bernabeu. You can catch it on beIN Sports in both the U.S. and Canada, as well as Sky Sports 5 in the U.K. and Canal+ in Spain.
See More:
