Three key battles that could swing El Clasico in Barcelona’s favour | OneFootball

After bouncing back with a commanding win over Olympiacos in midweek to regain their Champions League form, Barcelona now face a massive challenge in La Liga. 

The Catalans travel to the Spanish capital to take on table-toppers Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona arrive in Madrid under difficult circumstances. A major injury crisis continues to plague the squad. 

Adding to their woes, manager Hansi Flick will be absent from the touchline due to a one-match ban following his red card last week.

These issues make Barcelona underdogs on paper, yet there is often an advantage in that. Being the team expected to struggle can lift the players’ spirits and remove pressure. 

With these limitations, several key battles on the pitch could shape the outcome of this classic clash.

Lamine Yamal vs Alvaro Carreras

Yamal and Carreras will face each other for the fourth time. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal is no stranger to Alvaro Carreras, even though today marks Carreras’ first El Clasico. 

The Real Madrid summer signing has already faced Yamal three times, making this their fourth encounter.

Their first meeting came over two years ago when Carreras was on loan at Granada —a match where Yamal scored his first-ever La Liga goal. 

The duo met twice last season when Carreras played for Benfica. In their first encounter, during Barcelona’s memorable 5-4 comeback win, Yamal did not score or assist but was instrumental in the attack. 

Their next clash came in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, where Barcelona secured a 1-0 away win. Yamal again did not score but maintained a 100% dribble success rate.

This history suggests that Yamal’s agility and skill will be key in trying to break down Real Madrid’s defence, while Carreras will aim to curb the young star’s influence.

Ferran Torres vs Thibaut Courtois

Courtois has been in sensational form for Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Barcelona will be relieved that Ferran Torres has recovered from his muscle strain and is likely to lead the line as centre-forward. 

However, Torres faces one of Europe’s most challenging goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian has been instrumental for Real Madrid, helping secure two wins in the last week alone. 

In Getafe, he made a crucial one-on-one save, and against Juventus, he denied Dusan Vlahovic while the game was still 0-0.

Ever since Real Madrid’s heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier this season, Courtois has conceded just one goal in four matches, highlighting the challenge Ferran faces. 

The Spanish forward will need his sharpest skills to find a way past the Belgian goalkeeper, making this duel a crucial part of the Clasico story.

Pau Cubarsi vs Kylian Mbappe

Cubarsi loves playing against Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi also has a history with one of Real Madrid’s most dangerous attackers, Kylian Mbappe. 

With the Frenchman’s 10 La Liga goals pushing Madrid to a two-point lead at the top, Cubarsi, who averages 7.2 clearances per game, must stay alert.

The pair has faced off six times in their careers, with Cubarsi coming out on top in five of those encounters. 

Impressively, the Barcelona defender averages 2.50 points per match against Mbappe, showing he can rise to the occasion when facing elite attackers.

As Barcelona take on Real Madrid, these individual battles could heavily influence the game’s outcome.