Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Five tactical duels that could shape El Clasico | OneFootball

Real Madrid host rivals Barcelona in La Liga at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.

Here are five key battles to watch out for in the fixture.

Pau Cubarsi vs Kylian Mbappe

Cubarsi is Barcelona’s best centre-back, thanks to his brilliant reading of the game and composure on the ball, but Mbappe’s explosive pace could expose him.

The Frenchman is La Liga’s most in-form player, bagging 10 goals and two assists in nine league games.

Lamine Yamal vs Alvaro Carreras

Yamal has struggled with his fitness since the start of the season, yet has still averaged at least a goal contribution per game.

Carreras has made a blistering start to life at Madrid, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the Spaniard.

Vinicius Junior vs Jules Kounde

After a slow start to the campaign, Vinicius now appears to have rediscovered his best form, chipping in with six goal involvements in his last five league games.

Kounde is an astute one-on-one defender but has not been brilliant lately. His match-up with Vinicius is one to look forward to in this fixture.

Marcus Rashford vs Eder Militao

Rashford scored a brace in the 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos on Tuesday. Rashford is likely to spearhead Barcelona’s attack, with striker Robert Lewandowski doubtful for the clash.

With his elite one-on-one defending and athleticism, Militao will be tasked with nullifying Rashford’s threat.

Pedri vs Aurelien Tchouameni

Pedri has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga this season. He is an all-round midfielder whose press resistance and composure help Barcelona control games.

Tchouameni’s positioning and ball-winning ability will be crucial to limiting the Spain international’s influence.