El Clasico is nearly here. La Liga leaders Real Madrid host third-place Barcelona on Sunday in what is always titanic clash as both teams enter in exceptional form. With both on four-game winning streaks in the league, Real will look to keep or build upon their 10-point cushion at the summit, while Barca are looking to boost their chances of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Sunday, March 20 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
TV/Live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Real Madrid +110; Draw +265; Barcelona +235; O/U 2.5 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Real Madrid: Eder Militao has been out with the flu, missing Monday’s game with Mallorca. But the expectation is that the starting center back will be ready to go for El Clasico. Otherwise, Carlo Ancelotti’s team is nearly at full strength and ready to build on the vibes of blasting PSG in the Champions League.
Barcelona: The injury list remains long with Sergi Roberto (hamstring), Samuel Umtiti (toe), Alex Balde (ankle), Ez Abde (knee ligament) still all out. Sergino Dest (hamstring) joined the lengthy list after hobbling off Thursday’s Europa League game against Galatasaray, which will likely open the door for 38-year-old veteran Dani Alves. Winger Ansu Fati has been dealing with his hamstring injury, missing 13 games so far, but he is expected back soon. It looks unlikely that he will return for El Clasico, but we could be a week away from his return.
Prediction
A match filled with goals, tense moments and aggression ends with a point for each. Pick: Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 2 (Draw +265 and Over 2.5)