El Clasico: Barca aiming for second win in four days
What's the story
La Liga leaders Barcelona will go into the El Clasico clash as the favorites on Saturday, given their impressive form in the domestic campaign.
Earlier this week, Barca sealed a 3-0 win over Real in the second leg of the Copa de Rey to move into the finale.
And now they could inflict a serious blow on Real by clinching another victory.
La Liga
Barcelona could gain solid lead in La Liga
Barcelona are placed at the top in La Liga table with 57 points.
Real are third with 48 points and a loss would widen the gap between the two sides.
This would also virtually end any hope for Real to win the league title, this term.
Real had suffered a 0-3 defeat at home in the semis of the Copa del Rey.
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We want to go for the win: Valverde
"It is very difficult in two consecutive matches against the same team to get the same result. We want to go for the win because it would be an important blow to their morale for the remaining matches," said Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde.
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Messi has enjoyed a stellar season so far
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a terrific season and is leading the goal-scoring charts with 33 strikes from 33 matches. Messi will be the biggest threat for Real, whose defense lacks the composure. Forward Luis Suarez will be confident after the brace earlier this week.
Bale
Focus on Bale as Solari highlights importance
Welshman Gareth Bale was left out of the starting line-up for Real's Copa del Rey defeat against Barca.
Bale has been a substitute in seven of Real's last nine games. Notably, he refused to celebrate his winning goal at Levante.
"Everyone knows what Bale can do and they know what he has given to the club," said manager Santiago Solari.
Stats
Stat attack: El Clasico
Out of 241 El Clasico matches between the two sides, Real have won 95, same as Barca. There have been 51 draws as well.
Lionel Messi (26 goals) will get a chance to improve his goal-scoring tally as the leader in El Clasico matches.
This will be Messi's 41st appearance in El Clasico.
Former Barca legend Xavi (42) leads the show for the Catalans.
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Match timing, venue and TV listing
The match will be telecast live on the Sony Ten Network and can be streamed on the Sony Liv app as well. The match will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu at 1:15 AM IST.