The first Clasico of the season is just two days away, as Barcelona prepare to host Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. The Catalans have endured a tough start to the season but have been revitalised in recent weeks by the return of Ansu Fati. Los Blancos, after two defeats in a row, got back on track in midweek with a 5-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE – Latest Updates
This is the start of our Barcelona vs Real Madrid live blog, with our updates ahead of Sunday’s Clasico following on from here. As always, the entries nearest the top are the most recent ones.
14:35 CEST: Jordi Alba trains separately
There is concern for Barcelona, as one of their most important players, Jordi Alba, was unable to train with the rest of the group on Friday. The left back suffered a knock to the ankle in midweek against Dynamo Kiev and the Catalans will have to make a late call on whether he can play on Sunday.
13:20 CEST: Real Madrid recall last year’s Camp Nou Clasico
Real Madrid reminded their fans about the last time they faced Barcelona at the Camp Nou, where Los Blancos ran out 3-1 winners, sealed by a fantastic Luka Modric strike with the outside of the foot.
12:20 CEST: Who are the players with the most Clasico wins?
No footballer has won more Clasicos than Paco Gento and Leo Messi, with the former coming out victorious in as many as 21 encounters between the two teams. Messi and Sergio Busquets have managed 19 victories each, but the main difference is that the Argentine participated in 45 Clasicos and the current Barcelona captain has played in 40.
Those three players are followed by Gerard Pique (18), Xavi Hernandez (17), Alfredo Di Stefano (17) and Andres Iniesta (16).
