Three key battles that could decide Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Three key battles that could decide Barcelona vs Real Madrid The biggest game in Spanish football returns this weekend as Barcelona prepare to host Real Madrid in an El Clasico that could officially seal the La Liga title race. There is always pressure when Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other, but the stakes feel even higher this time around, as Barcelona are just one point away from reclaiming the Spanish crown under Hansi Flick. Simply put, a draw would be enough for Barcelona to mathematically confirm themselves as champions, although Flick will naturally want his side to finish the job with a statement victory at the Camp Nou.
This is because the team is still in the race to finish the season with a 100-point tally . Real Madrid, meanwhile, have little margin for error left and must find a way to spoil what could become a title celebration night for the home supporters. In matches like El Clasico, form and numbers often disappear once the whistle blows.
Momentum can change in seconds and individual duels usually end up carrying massive importance. This meeting is unlikely to be any different. On that note, here are three battles that could end up deciding the outcome of Sunday’s title-defining showdown.
Jules Kounde vs Vinicius Jr. Kounde will need to be on his toes. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) One of the biggest decisions facing Flick ahead of the clash concerns the right-back position, but all signs suggest Jules Kounde will immediately return to the starting lineup after missing the previous match through suspension.
The French defender remains Barcelona’s first-choice option for the role in major games because of his pace, recovery ability, and physical strength in defensive situations. Against Real Madrid, those qualities will be needed more than ever because Vinicius Jr. arrives in dangerous form.
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