Real Madrid vs Barcelona preview: Final El Clasico of the 2021-22 season

Real Madrid and Barcelona will be facing off against each other tonight in the second El Clasico of the season. Los Blancos are at the top of the table, while Barcelona are in pursuit and look set to secure a Champions League spot despite having a difficult start to the season.

The two teams will be meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu, and will not be wearing their traditional kits. Madrid will be wearing a special black kit, and Barcelona will be donning their Senyera kit as a tribute to their Catalan heritage. 

Real Madrid vs Barcelona preview: Final El Clasico of the 2021-22 season

Karim Benzema will be missing for Real Madrid in the game against their biggest rivals. The striker had to ask to come off in the previous game against Real Mallorca, due to a calf injury. And now, it is confirmed that he will be out for the big game. 

But on a brighter note, the injury isn’t too serious, and while he hasn’t been able to train for El Clasico, he will be back in the squad very soon. The attacking burden will hence fall on Vinicius Jr, and whoever Ancelotti chooses to operate through the middle.

Barcelona are in remarkable form under Xavi, winning their last four games in La Liga. They have been able to string together a good run of games in all competitions, progressing to the quarterfinals of the Europa League as well. 

As a result, it is a much more level clash than their meeting earlier in the season.