Referee: Alejandro Jose Hernandez H.
Time : 20:00
Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain.

With an estimated global Television audience of 500 million people cutting across 182 countries, the Spanish El Clasico is unarguably the biggest club football rivalry the world has ever known. Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid FC have 35 points each, from 16 La Liga matches played. Amidst security concerns from Catalonia's call for independence to be a sovereign nation, both teams have agreed to share the same hotel and leave for the match venue at the same time; after a match reschedule on October 26.

The last league games of both sides ended in draws. Real Sociedad held Barca to a 2-2 draw. Real Madrid earned a 95th minute equalizer at Valencia, thanks to a Karim Benzema rebound goal to put the game at 1-1. Undoubtedly, the former Lyon star has played second fiddle to CR7 for most of the past decade. Pulling defenders to the sides and paving smooth clear chances for the Portuguese forward, most of these tireless efforts have been swept under the carpet; gone unnoticed. Why? Cristiano must lead while others follow.

After he left for Juventus FC in July 2018, the burden of the Madrid attack has been placed on the French man. Many football fans expressed concerns that not only will CR7 be greatly missed in person and style, but it will reduce the intensity and fans' anxiety, and as well, tip FCB as favourite of the Clasico. However, Lionel Messi has failed to register a goal or assist in his last three El Clasico appearances. With a record of 18 goals and 9 assists, La Pulga definitely remains a threat. A much hungrier and goals-thirsty partnership is expected between Suarez and Griezmann, who is yet to get his footing in front of goal.

Real Madrid will be without vice Captain, Marcelo, and Eden Hazard. The former Chelsea talisman suffered an ankle injury in the UCL match against PSG in late November. Worriedly, the Belgian is yet to cement his dominating presence at the Santiago Bernabeau. A better version of what he did to keep the West London bridge from falling. The "White Angels" of Madrid have been in fine form of late. With only 12 goals conceded, team captain, Sergio Ramos will today, become the player with the highest appearances (43) in the El Clasico history. His defence pairing with Varane has been quite commendable. Likewise, Gerard Pique and Lenglet will remain fired up to face their corresponding fierce opponents. Frenkie de Jong, the young midfielder who has enjoyed so much comparison to the midfield maestro, Xavi, is poised to start the game with Rakitic and Busquets. In the centre of the park is a great battle for ball possession, passes and tackles Will the energetic Casemiro and "eagle-eyed" Luka Modric give FCB, a run for their money?

Karim Benzema clocks 32 years old tomorrow. Hopefully, the birthday party doesn't get Messi-ed up.