The decisive derby that will define the future of Barcelona and Real Madrid is finally here! After the big Copa del Rey decider, the Spanish rivals meet again at the Estadio Olimpic Lluis Companys for a spectacular LaLiga clash with just four games left of the season.
Barcelona must overcome Champions League elimination
Barcelona come into this derby after an absolutely historic UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, but the Italians won 7-6 on aggregate at the San Siro and booked their place in the final, increasing Hansi Flick's responsibility.
Even if they don't win all the trophies they had in mind this season, Barça can still become Spanish champions and remember this season with great fondness. The Catalans can also draw on their four-game winning streak against their biggest rivals in LaLiga.
The big new addition to Barcelona's line-up should be Alejandro Balde, who returned to training on Thursday after suffering a thigh injury. Robert Lewandowski should also return to the team after coming off the bench against Inter. On the other hand, Pablo Torre and Marc Casado are unlikely to be available due to knee problems, while Jules Kounde and Marc Bernal are definitely out.
Real Madrid all or nothing at the end of the season
Real Madrid rested during the week while Barcelona played 120 minutes of extra time against Inter Milan in a match that ended 4-3, so Carlo Ancelotti is betting on the physical advantage to try and surprise his rivals away from home and cut the deficit to one point.
Los Blancos won't be mathematically out of contention if they lose, but a win is needed to keep their spirits up. In addition, Real need to give Carlo Ancelotti a glorious farewell before he joins the Brazilian national team, as Xabi Alonso has already said goodbye to Bayer Leverkusen and is ready to take the Italian's place.
Repeating the same situation seen in other derbies, Ancelotti will have a lot of problems in the line-up. Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão and Eduardo Camavinga are definitely out, while Rodrygo may not start because of Arda Güler's excellent form.