The hottest fixture in the world is set to be in the United States yet again. El-Clasico is going to take place in Las Vegas’s Allegiant stadium next Saturday.
El-Clasico history
They have been 249 matches between the two sides Barcelona and Real Madrid. Real Madrid has won 100 and Barcelona won 97 with 52 draws. The first time the two Spanish giants took on each other was in 2017 in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. That game Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2. Goals from Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic and Gerard Pique secured the victory for the Catalan side. In March FC Barcelona also edged Real Madrid 4-0. Goals from Araujo, Ferran Torres and an Aubameyang brace completed the thrashing of Real Madrid. Real Madrid will be eager to get revenge on Barcelona after they were thrashed at the Bernabeu. This is always a fixture that never disappoints and over the past 15 years there has only been one 0-0 draw other than that every El-Classico has a score to it.
How both teams go into the match
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will be happy to know that since there is no summer tournament their key players will be available. Real Madrid will have players like Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and many other key players. While FC Barcelona will have Aubameyang, Pedri and many other players. However Ferran Torres suffered a foot injury so his availability may be very much dependent on how he recovers. FC Barcelona played a friendly against Olot where they drew 1-1 to a fifth tier team. Real Madrid will be in California for most of their preseason tour as they also take on Club America and Juventus. So in total Real Madrid will have three preseason games and FC Barcelona will have six. Both La Liga teams will want to have a strong preseason so they can go into the season in the best possible form.
Prediction
My prediction for this match will be a Real Madrid win as they go into this match well rested and not having played any preseason games. Whereas FC Barcelona will be playing a game four days before they take on Los Blancos. Real Madrid is a team that will always finish you on the counter attack with players like Benzema, Rodrygo and Vinicius. FC Barcelona has a lot of defensive weaknesses and that is why we expect Real Madrid to edge this match. Los Blancos are the current holders of the UCL and had a magnificent season. They will be hoping to start where they finished when their arch rivals.
