The fate of La Liga hangs in the balance this Sunday as Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in the final El Clasico of the season. The week leading up to this pivotal match has brought significant shifts for both clubs. Barcelona`s dream of winning the treble ended with their Champions League exit against Inter, while speculation about Real Madrid`s future manager has increased following Xabi Alonso announcing his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the season`s conclusion.
This Clasico is more than just a game; it`s a crucial turning point for both teams looking to salvage their campaigns. For Barcelona, a victory would help them move past their European disappointment and inch closer to a domestic double, potentially salvaging the season. Real Madrid, however, is desperate to avoid finishing a season without major silverware for the first time since 2020-21, when Atlético Madrid claimed the league title. They will throw everything into this encounter.
The expectation was that the arrival of Kylian Mbappe before the season would propel Real Madrid to glory. While that hasn`t materialized, this Clasico could represent their final push for success under Carlo Ancelotti. With Ancelotti widely expected to take the Brazil national team job and Real Madrid currently four points behind Barcelona in La Liga, this match offers a last opportunity to see what the team can achieve under his leadership.
Real Madrid`s season has been marked by attempts to find the optimal starting XI, battling injuries, and a general lack of cohesion. They have particularly struggled against Barcelona, losing the last four consecutive meetings. Turning this trend around is crucial, but their defense is weakened by Antonio Rudiger`s season-ending suspension. While the pace of players like Mbappe and Vinicius Junior could exploit Barcelona`s high defensive line, there`s a notable difference between Real Madrid`s form this season and the clinical edge shown by Inter Milan, who scored seven goals against Barcelona across two legs in the Champions League.
If Flick struggles to re-motivate his young Barcelona squad after their Champions League exit, this match could become difficult. However, a loss here wouldn`t be catastrophic for Barcelona. Winning their final three La Liga games would still secure them the league title and a domestic double. With talents like Raphinha, arguably La Liga`s best player this season, and the emerging Lamine Yamal, considered a future global star, Barcelona is progressing positively. Yet, navigating these psychological setbacks is vital for the team`s development.
Flick has largely succeeded in guiding Barcelona this season. However, managing young players in key roles means their reaction to defeats reveals much about their character and the team`s resilience. Like Real Madrid, Barcelona has faced injuries and needed squad rotation, but their reserves have generally stepped up to secure points. With Robert Lewandowski not fully fit, Flick`s side will need another determined performance. The stakes are high: winning La Liga and simultaneously spoiling Ancelotti`s potential farewell season adds extra significance.
