Saturday marks the return of one of the biggest fixtures on the world football calendar, with Real Madrid hosting Barcelona in the first Clásico of the season. It’s a rivalry that has its origins beyond football, with Barcelona traditionally a vanguard of the Catalan independence movement, and Madrid a symbol of monarchical conservatism. Though these lines are no longer so clear-cut, the enmity that has built up over the years invariably produces an incredible atmosphere.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, El Clásico 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
The big one returns on Saturday, with Real Madrid hosting Barcelona at the Bernabéu.
David Ramos/Getty Images
It is helped, of course, by the fact these sides are so closely-matched on the field. Heading into this fixture Barcelona sit top of the table, only three points clear of their Madrilenian counterparts. Save for the massive upset Atlético Madrid produced a couple of seasons ago, it’s nearly always Real Madrid and Barcelona battling it out for the league title, and it’s looking like that will be the case once again. Defeat for Madrid here, however, and they’ll already be falling dangerously far behind.
Key player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The bad news for Madrid is that Barça golden boy Lionel Messi looks set to return to action after an injury layoff, which only strengthens what is already the most potent attacking force in world football. The Argentine is probably the greatest player on the planet at the moment, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he makes a goal-scoring comeback.
Key factor: Where will Cristiano Ronaldo play?
The only man who could claim to be Messi's equal is Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, though how well he performs could well hinge on where manager Rafael Benítez decides to deploy him. The recent absence of striker Karim Benzema has seen Ronaldo used as a center-forward rather than out in his preferred role on the left, and it's had the unfortunate effect of reducing the space in which he can use his pace, strength and skill. Should Ronaldo be played through the middle again in this match, recent rumours of a rift in the Madrid camp may only worsen.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Karim Benzema (hamstring); Keylor Navas (muscle).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha (knee); Douglas (foot). In doubt: Lionel Messi (knee).
Madrid have no certain absentees, but are waiting on the fitness of striker Benzema and goalkeeper Navas. Both are expected to be involved.
Barcelona will be without midfielder Rafinha and fullback Douglas, though Messi should mark his long-awaited return from a knee injury.
Match date/time: Sat., Nov. 21, 12:15 p.m. ET, 6:15 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish); Sky Sports 2/HD (UK)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); Fubo TV (US); Sky Go (UK)
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