The upcoming El Clasico is set for Seville this Saturday in the Copa del Rey final, promising to be a highly anticipated encounter thanks to the talented squads of both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Neither side will be at full strength, with Barcelona`s Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid`s Eduardo Camavinga among the players sidelined due to injury. However, both teams still possess significant top-tier talent across various positions. The distinct tactical approaches of the coaches set the stage for a compelling matchup, prompting the question: where does each team hold the upper hand on the pitch?
Although Barcelona have had the upper hand in previous meetings this season, both teams will see opportunities in different areas of the pitch, supported by the stars available in attack and defense. While Real Madrid face the challenge of overcoming a strong Barcelona side for the first time this campaign, they may have an advantage in certain categories that could provide them with a chance in Saturday`s game.
Leading up to the latest Clasico, here`s a positional analysis of which team has the edge on the field.
Key Match Information
- Date: Sunday, April 26
- Location: Estadio de La Cartuja — Seville, Spain
- Odds: Barcelona +105; Draw +280; Real Madrid +200
Goalkeeper: Real Madrid
This is arguably the easiest assessment to make and perhaps Real Madrid`s greatest strength. Thibaut Courtois has consistently been a difference-maker for Los Blancos over the years, combining the reliability of a top-tier goalkeeper with spectacular saves thanks to his impressive 6-foot-7 frame. His performances contrast sharply with Wojciech Szczesny, who, despite potentially displacing Inaki Pena as Barcelona`s starter while Marc-Andre ter Stegen recovers from injury, has been prone to errors since returning from retirement to aid Hansi Flick`s team. His list of mistakes includes a red card in the Spanish Super Cup final in January, making him an unreliable choice in goal. He often survives his lapses because his teammates usually manage to outscore the opposition comfortably.
Defenders: Barcelona
This is arguably the area where both teams are most evenly matched, reflected in their nearly identical defensive records in La Liga. Real Madrid have also been affected by injuries in this department this season, which hasn`t helped. However, as things stand, Barcelona might hold a slight advantage in this position. Both sides currently feature a young player partnering with a more experienced teammate at center back, and it`s difficult not to argue that Barcelona`s Pau Cubarsi is currently ahead of Real Madrid`s Raul Ascensio. Real Madrid also appear somewhat unsettled in their full-back roles, partly due to injury issues, while Barcelona`s Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have performed solidly and have even contributed notably to the attacking effort this season.
Midfielders: Barcelona
The midfield is where Barcelona`s primary strengths lie, thanks in large part to the emergence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. However, he`s not the only reason Hansi Flick`s side excels in the center of the park; they have a diverse range of players who have made a significant impact this season, including regulars like Fermin Lopez and even the sometimes-out-of-favor Frenkie de Jong. While their opponents benefit from Jude Bellingham`s strong form, Real Madrid have yet to find a suitable replacement for Toni Kroos and have sometimes struggled when deploying an aging Luka Modric. Success in midfield is likely to be central to Barcelona`s strategy, especially against an opponent that has found it difficult to move the ball effectively in some high-profile matches this season, and it could very well be a winning approach.
Forwards: Real Madrid
There`s a strong case to be made for both teams if they were at full strength, but it`s uncertain how Barcelona will cope without Lewandowski, who has scored 40 goals across all competitions this season. Raphinha and Ferran Torres will undoubtedly provide significant support, with 30 and 17 goals respectively this season. However, under these circumstances, it`s hard not to believe that Real Madrid`s front three of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo have the potential to deliver a decisive performance. Their season has also seen ups and downs, but together, the trio have scored a combined 68 goals so far and are formidable when playing at their best.
