Real Madrid and Barcelona will go head-to-head in one of the biggest and most anticipated matches in the world at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano on Saturday.
Things have changed dramatically in LaLiga over recent weeks, as the Catalan side are sitting second in the standings just one point behind leaders Atlético Madrid, while Los Blancos are third, two points behind Ronald Koeman’s men. Not too long ago, many thought the ‘Colchoneros’ would be the clear league winners. If you are in the US you can tune in on Fanatiz.
Real Madrid, Barcelona have both improved as the season has gone on
Both teams seem to have had similar paths this season, as they offered up poor performances at the beginning, before improving their game and grabbing quite a few important wins lately in the domestic competition.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are also fighting for two titles this campaign: the Blaugranes are already in the Copa del Rey final and are second in LaLiga, while Real Madrid fancy their chances in the Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the quarter-final first leg and are also pursuing their city neighbors in the Spanish league.
Both teams go into the match in good shape
The hosts have remained unbeaten in the league since the end of January, with seven victories and three draws in their last 10 matches, while Barcelona have won their last six and haven’t lost in their last 19 LaLiga encounters (since December against Cádiz).
This is an important match for both teams, as there could be a change in the top positions, but also on a mental level: going down to their eternal rivals might have a negative impact on the losing side in their upcoming matches.
And an interesting stat is also at stake in Saturday’s showdown: Real Madrid are now ahead of Barcelona in all-time Clásico wins (97 to 96), so a victory for the Catalan powerhouse would level this up even again.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: times, TV & how to watch onlineAll the info you need to know on how and where to watch Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium on 10 April at 3pm EDT / 9pm CEST.
Courtesy of Sofascore.
Defence issues: Ramos, Varane and Carvajal out
Zinedine Zidane won’t be able to call upon the services of Sergio Ramos due to a sprain to his left calf muscle. The captain will remain on the sidelines for three to five weeks.
Moreover, Raphaël Varane won’t be able to play at the Di Stéfano either after testing positive for coronavirus. He must self-isolated for a minimum of 10 days and pass a negative test before he can return. Nacho and Éder Militão will deputise at centre-back, as they did against Liverpool this week.
Dani Carvajal won’t be able to feature against arch rivals Barcelona, as he is trying to get back to full fitness after suffering an injury to his right thigh muscle, so winger Lucas Vázquez could drop back to fill in.
Eden Hazard returned to full training but hasn’t been included in the list against Barça.
Piqué and Sergi Roberto in Barcelona’s list
As for the visitors, Gerard Piqué has been out with a sprain to the lateral internal ligament in his right knee. While it remains unknown whether the centre-back will play against Madrid, he has been included in the squad list.
Sergi Roberto has also returned to full training after suffering a right hamstring injury four months ago and he has been included in the list together with fellow defender Jordi Alba.
Miralem Pjanic and Ronald Araújo are both over their injuries although Koeman will likely plump for Óscar Mingueza to partner Clément Lenglet and Frenkie De Jong in a three-man central defence against Madrid.
Lionel Messi, the leading scorer in El Clásico fixtures with 26 goals, will likely partner with Antoine Griezmann, who has become a father for the third time, and Ousmane Dembélé up front.
What time does the Real Madrid vs Barcelona match start?
The 2020/2021 LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be played at the the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano (Madrid) and will kick off at 3pm EDT on Saturday 10 April 2021.
That’s 12 noon PDT, 9pm local time in Spain (CEST) and 8pm in the UK (BST).
Find out what time Real Madrid vs Barcelona gets underway where you are in the world.
Where can I watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona?
No matter where you are on the planet, you can see what channel the Real Madrid vs Barcelona match is available on here.
United States: Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN SPORTS.
Spain: Movistar+, Partidazo in Movistar LaLiga, Mitele Plus, Movistar Laliga 1, Movistar Laliga.
United Kingdom: LaLigaTV, Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 1.
Is the Real Madrid vs Barcelona game online?
Real Madrid-Barcelona is available in most nations through the rights holders’ online platform, if they have one. The best option is to check who is showing the game in your country and if they have an online service or iOS/Android app to watch it on.
For example, Fanatiz is a dedicated streaming platform in the US and in the UK, Premier Player has a streaming service. Movistar+ in Spain are showing the LaLiga games.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: AS English live coverage
You can also follow our live text commentary, with all the key statistics, here on AS English. We will be building up to the match throughout the day before giving you a minute-by-minute account as it unfolds.
