A Classic is always a Classic. But today it will be even more so because it can be definitive or almost definitive for the resolution of the League. A Barça victory would leave the championship practically closed, while a white victory would reopen the fight. These are the 5 main tactical keys from the Real Madrid perspective:
The first important point goes through the two decisions in the eleven made by Carlo Ancelotti. With the rest of the names very clear, the unknowns are whether the pivot position will be for Tchuameni or, as against Liverpool, for Camavinga. The same for the third attacker where the shortlist will be between Valverde and Rodrigo. A priori, the Uruguayan has more possibilities but it is also very possible that the Italian coach wants to surprise.
The best matches for Madrid absolutely need excellent performances from the French striker. And today he will be no exception. The striker, at a time in a simply normal way, will have to improve his version if the whites want to beat the Catalans. With Vinicius more pending to equalize forces in his duel with Araujo, Benzema's offensive flow will be key from Madrid's perspective. Many things will depend on his football tone tonight.
Without Pedri's help at Barça, his influence in the game could make Madrid have more of the ball. If both of them are fine, the madridistas will be able to chain moments of great possession in the rival field. Another important factor happens because both exploit one of their best virtues: the shot from medium distance. Because against a Barça that has grown so much in positional defense, this is an action that the whites will be able to access.
On paper, it will be a long game. Because after several confrontations in a short time there will be no surprises and because these games tend to be even in the last half hour of the game. And this is where the decisions of both Xavi and Ancelotti with the changes will be decisive. But the Italian coach has a resource to change games that the Barça coach does not have, Marco Asensio. And it is that the irregular attacker has a beating that always leaves something behind and a special ability to be influential coming off the bench.
