The latest highly anticipated El Clasico is scheduled for Saturday in Seville, where Barcelona and Real Madrid will contest the Copa del Rey final. This fixture is set to be the weekend`s standout event, featuring the exceptional talent pools of both clubs. Neither side will be at optimal strength, with notable absentees including Barcelona`s Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid`s Eduardo Camavinga due to injury. Despite this, both teams can still call upon a wealth of high-caliber players across all positions. The distinct tactical philosophies of the two managers promise a compelling strategic battle, prompting the central question: where does each team possess a potential advantage on the pitch?
Although Barcelona has held the upper hand in their meetings this season, both teams will feel confident about their prospects in specific areas, thanks to the available stars in attack and defense. While the onus might seem to be on Real Madrid to finally overcome a formidable Barcelona side this campaign, they may hold edges in certain positions that could tip the balance in Saturday`s decisive match.
Ahead of this crucial Clasico encounter, here is a detailed position-by-position analysis identifying which team appears to have the upper hand on the field.
Goalkeeper: Real Madrid
This position presents perhaps the clearest area of advantage, and it could well be Real Madrid`s most significant strength. Thibaut Courtois has consistently been a difference-maker for Los Blancos over several years, combining the steadfast reliability expected of a top-tier goalkeeper with incredible, show-stopping saves facilitated by his towering 6-foot-7 frame. His performance level stands in contrast to Wojciech Szczesny, who, despite coming out of retirement to aid Hansi Flick`s Barcelona side during Marc-Andre ter Stegen`s injury layoff, has shown a propensity for errors. His list of mistakes includes a red card in the Spanish Super Cup final back in January, making him a less dependable choice in goal, often bailed out by the fact that his teammates can usually outscore the opposition by a comfortable margin.
Defenders: Barcelona
Defensively, the two teams are arguably most closely matched, a point underscored by their remarkably similar defensive records in La Liga this season. Real Madrid`s backline has been affected by injuries throughout the campaign, which hasn`t helped their consistency. As things stand, Barcelona appears to have a slight edge in this department. Both sides currently pair a talented young defender with a more experienced partner at the heart of their defense, and it`s difficult to argue that Barcelona`s Pau Cubarsi isn`t currently ahead of Real Madrid`s Raul Ascensio in terms of impact and development. Furthermore, Real Madrid`s full-back positions seem somewhat unsettled, partly due to their injury woes, whereas Barcelona`s Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have been solid performers and have even made noticeable contributions to the team`s attacking phase this season.
Midfielders: Barcelona
The midfield is arguably where Barcelona`s greatest strengths lie, significantly bolstered by the rise of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. However, their dominance in the center of the park isn`t solely attributed to him; Hansi Flick`s squad boasts a diverse range of players who have made substantial contributions this season, including consistent starters like Fermin Lopez and even Frenkie de Jong, who has sometimes been rotated out. While Real Madrid benefits from Jude Bellingham`s exceptional form, they have struggled at times to adequately replace Toni Kroos and have faced challenges when relying on an aging Luka Modric. Controlling the midfield battle will likely be a primary focus for Barcelona, particularly against an opponent that has occasionally found it difficult to progress the ball effectively in high-stakes matches this season. This tactical approach might just prove to be their winning strategy.
Forwards: Real Madrid
One could make a compelling case for either team having the superior attack if both were operating at full strength. However, the uncertainty surrounding Barcelona`s offensive output without Robert Lewandowski, who leads their scoring charts with 40 goals across all competitions this season, is significant. While Raphinha and Ferran Torres have provided valuable support with 30 and 17 goals respectively, replacing Lewandowski`s prolific output is a major challenge. Given this situation, Real Madrid`s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo appears potentially more threatening. Despite experiencing ups and downs in form throughout the season, this formidable front three has collectively scored 68 goals so far and, when playing at their peak, are exceptionally hard for any defense to contain.
Benedict Kingsley