In the Elclassico match in La Liga we have two of the heavyweights in the Spanish football going head to head in what will be a great game between the two sides who are fierce rivals and cometitors on and off the field and it will surely be one of the most awaited Classicos of the last decade as with the four points difference it might well prove to be the telling point in the title race.
Both of the Spanish teams are coming into this match on the back of a narrow defeats they suffered in the last week's Champions League semfinal first legs as Real Madrid were humbled in Allianz Arena in Germany with a 2-1 scoreline while we all know how Chelsea managed a 1-0 win over current Champions League holders Barcelona in the first leg at Stamford bridge.
Real Madrid are currently 4 points clear at the top of the table but what is a concern for them is that they are in their longest winless streak against Barcelona in their history as they have not won a game of football in the last 7 league matches and that is a worrying sign for them, if they can win the game at Camp Nou this week they will surely end Barcelona's hope of retaining the title and if they lost this one than they will be in real trouble of keeping their lead at the top of the table as it will shrink down to just 1 point.
Barcelona have been playing some stunning football, and although they lost they game against Chelsea in the midweek they created enough chances to win two games from them, so form is not a problem and I can expect a backlash this week in the Elclassico with Messi is the man to watch out for.
There will be some surprise changes in the starting lineup as both the teams have their big games in the Champions League in the midweek os we can see some of the big players getting less playing time due to back to back huge matches but that won't take the attention away from this big match and of course Ronaldo vs Messi debate
You can tune in here to get the live updates during the match here, we will also be placing info about how to watch the Real Madrid vs Barcelona live online on your PC While goals video will be updates sharply during the matches and as the goals go in while full match highlights will be available after the match is over.
BARCELONA vs REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS: The teams news will be available 24 hours before the kickoff so please check back later for the updated team news for both the sides.
Spanish - La Liga
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Date:April 21, 2012 - Time 7:00 PM BST
Venue: Camp Nou — Barcelona
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco
Barcelona
Barcelona suffered the disappointment of a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, but on the domestic front they have been unstoppable of late, winning their last 11 La Liga matches. The Champions League tie, however, may weigh on Pep Guardiola's mind so Gerard Pique could return to give Carles Puyol a rest.
Pedro may also be given a chance from the start given his recent return to form and his great goalscoring record against Real Madrid; the winger has scored four times against Los Blancos in the past two years.
Barça have never been beaten by Real under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola in seven league matches and have won all three at the Nou Camp.
Probable lineups : Valdes, Adriano, Piqué, Mascherano, Alves, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Sanchez. (4-3-3).
Real Madrid
Real will also have to come from behind if they are to reach the Champions League final after losing 2-1 in Munich on Tuesday night. Fabio Coentrão started ahead of Marcelo against the Germans, but his mistake for the winning goal may ensure a return for the Brazilian at left-back, even though he has had problems against Barcelona in the past.
The other question for Jose Mourinho is whether to sacrifice one of his front four for an extra body in midfield. It is a tactic he used repeatedly last season against the European champions and with a draw more than satisfactory for Real given their current four-point advantage, it is one he is likely to use again.
Should that be the case then Esteban Granero will come in for one of Ángel Di María or Mesut Özil. Karim Benzema should also get the nod ahead of Gonzalo Higuain in attack as the Frenchman has scored three times against Barcelona already this season.
Probable lineups : Casillas, Arbeola, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Granero, Alonso, Khedira, Maria, Benzema, Ronaldo. (4-3-3).
Match Facts
Barcelona have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 11 home matches in La Liga.
Barcelona are undefeated in their last 34 home matches in La Liga.
Barcelona have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 5 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Barcelona are undefeated in their last 7 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Real Madrid have won 12 of their last 13 away matches in La Liga.
Prediction
Mourinho has still only managed to beat Barça once in 10 attempts since arriving in Madrid and with the champions in more desperate need of the points, plus the advantage of playing at the Nou Camp, Guardiola's men will be heavy favourites to reduce the gap at the top to just one point.
However, Madrid were the better side in the 2-2 draw between the two sides in the Catalan capital in January and should they approach the game with a similar attacking intent they could well cause a surprise and all but seal the title in the process.
History, though, suggests otherwise, with a draw good enough for the league leaders Mourinho will most likely set his team up to defend what they have and that may well prove their downfall.
