Barcelona host Real Madrid today as the first El Clasico of the season takes centre stage.
Xavi's side cruised to the LaLiga title last term but it already looks set to be a much closer race this time. Real Madrid can overtake league leaders Girona by claiming all three points today, with Barcelona just behind.
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Both have made perfect starts in the Champions League too, including European wins in midweek, as the rivals go into Saturday's El Clasico in fine form.
Barcelona are yet to be beaten in any competition this season, with the only blip for Real Madrid coming in the form of a painful derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. That was a rare off-day for Carlo Ancelotti's side, with three of the seven goals they have conceded in 10 LaLiga matches coming in that one game.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Barcelona vs Real Madrid is scheduled for a 3.15pm BST kick-off today, October 28, 2023.
The match will take place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona.
Where to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid
TV channel: The game will not be broadcast live in the UK, due to the Saturday 3pm blackout.
"We’re disappointed that British fans cannot watch El Clasico this weekend due to the UK's self-imposed Saturday 3pm rule," said Keegan Pierce, La Liga's Head of International Development for UK and Ireland MD.
â"While we fully support measures to promote attendance, we believe the blackout should be limited to the televising of domestic football, not overseas competitions."
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid team news
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Martinez, Balde; Fermin, Gavi, Gundogan; Cancelo, Torres, Felix
Subs: Lewandowski, Raphina, Pena, Alonso, Romeu, Kounde, Astralaga, Yamal, Casado, Cubarsi, Guiu, Fort
Real Madrid XI: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Tchouameni, Valverde; Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
Subs: Lunin, Pineiro, Nacho, Modric, Camavinga, Joselu, Vazquez, Garcia, Brahim
Barcelona vs Real Madrid prediction
Much will depend on Barcelona's injury list and how many of their first-team stars they can get back to fitness in time.
As it stands, it is Real who go into the match in stronger shape, and they have a man in Bellingham who can be expected to rise to the occasion and make his mark as he features in a competitive Clasico for the first time.
Barcelona have not looked particularly convincing at the back this season and could be edged out here by their biggest rivals.
Real Madrid to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Barcelona wins: 124
Real Madrid wins: 108
Draws: 64
Barcelona vs Real Madrid match odds
Barcelona win: 11/8
Real Madrid win: 6/4
Draw: 2/1
