With just one point separating the perennial rivals in the standings, reigning champions Barcelona and early leaders Real Madrid square off in the first Clasico of the 2023–24 campaign. Even with 10 games played, Xavi’s team is still the only unbeaten team in La Liga, but they have already given up six points compared to Real’s five.
Barcelona and Man City share the most points in all of Europe’s top five divisions in 2023 (74), and they have won all seven of their home games this season, scoring 19 goals, giving up just three goals, and keeping five clean sheets. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has won eleven of their first thirteen games this season, only losing two of those games to Atletico (their lone loss) and Sevilla (their only draw).
The data that informs our forecasts for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid:
Barcelona has triumphed in each of the last six home La Liga games.
Ten of Barcelona’s home La Liga games have ended in goals.
In their previous seven La Liga away games, Real Madrid has scored.
In two of Real Madrid’s previous three away La Liga games, both clubs have scored.
In three of Real Madrid’s previous five away La Liga games, the hosts got ahead early.
Team news for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Sergi Roberto (calf), Jules Kounde (knee), Robert Lewandowski (ankle), Raphinha (hamstring), and Frenkie de Jong (ankle) are the five players out for Barcelona, with Pedri still doubtful. Due to suspension, Gavi was unable to play in Barca’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk; hence, he should return to the starting lineup right away.
Real Madrid’s long-term absences Éder Militão and Thibaut Courtois are still there, but Nacho Fernandez’s initial three-game suspension was recently decreased by the Spanish Competition Committee, thus he will be available for this match.
LaLiga top four
- Real Madrid: 10 games, 25 points
- Girona: 10 games, 25 points
- Barcelona: 10 games, 24 points
- Atletico Madrid: 9 games, 22 points
Barcelona vs Real Madrid head-to-head record
- 05/04/23 – Barcelona 0-4 Real Madrid – Copa del Rey
- 19/03/23 – Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid – La Liga
- 02/03/23 – Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona – Copa del Rey
- 15/01/23 – Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona – Supercopa de Espana
- 16/10/22 – Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona – La Liga
In their most recent encounter, a Copa del Rey match, Karim Benzema scored three goals as Real Madrid triumphed 4-0.
