3️⃣ things to look out for in the women's Clásico this weekend | OneFootball

After their unexpected defeat to Real Sociedad two weeks ago, Barcelona are now just four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of Liga F.

And now the two giants of Spanish football meet this weekend in a Clásico that promises to be an enthralling watch from minute one.

Let's see what we can expect as Los Blancos travel to Catalunya.

Real Madrid’s belief

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors

Real Madrid finally broke their long-standing hoodoo against Barcelona earlier this year, securing a 3-1 victory and ending a run of 18 consecutive losses in this fixture.

That win has raised hopes that the gap is closing. On Saturday they’ll look to prove it was no flash in the pan and show that they can bring consistency to big occasions and close the gap at the top of Liga F.

The question is though, can Los Blancos build on that landmark victory and show they’re credible challengers, or will Barcelona reaffirm their dominance? We're about to find out.

How will Barcelona respond?

Barcelona enter the game as the established heavyweight. Their head-to-head record is overwhelming in this fixture with 27 wins in 28 matches against their rivals.

The surprise defeat earlier in the year will surely have stung, and will be extra motivation for Alexia Putellas and co to reassert their Clásico dominance.

Saturday offers them an opportunity to send a message that there's only one sheriff in town when it comes to the women's game in Spain.

Tactical battle and individual match-ups

📸 Florencia Tan Jun - 2024 Getty Images

Beyond the broader narratives, this game is rich in tactical intrigue. Real Madrid will attempt to exploit Barcelona on the break, looking to replicate the clinical finishing which delivered from them earlier in March.

Barcelona, meanwhile, must blend possession-based dominance with a cutting edge in attack and defensive vigilance.

Keep an eye on key individual battles between Alexia Putellas and the Real Madrid midfield, whilst Caroline Weir will provide the attacking threat for the capital club.

📸 Florencia Tan Jun - 2024 Getty Images