Real Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction: Barcelona and Real Madrid likely to draw 2-2 in their pre-season friendly clash, with both teams showcasing attacking prowess despite key player absences.
The latest chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries is set to unfold as Real Madrid and Barcelona clash in a high-profile friendly match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This pre-season encounter promises to be an intriguing affair as both Spanish giants look to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
Match Details
Date: August 3, 2024
Time: 23:00 UTC
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA
Competition: Club Friendly Games
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Lineups and Team News
Barcelona
Xavi’s squad has been bolstered by the return of several key players who were absent from their previous friendly against Manchester City. Raphinha, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jules Kounde are all expected to feature, providing a significant boost to the Catalan side.
Projected Barcelona Lineup (4-3-3): Casado, Kounde, Raphinha, Torre, Balde, Lenglet, Ter Stegen, I. Martinez, Gundogan, Victor, Lewandowski
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s team will be without their marquee summer signing Kylian Mbappe, who has been given an extended break after participating in Euro 2024. However, Brazilian wonderkid Endrick is set to lead the line in his first-ever El Clásico appearance.
Projected Real Madrid Lineup (4-3-3): Rudiger, Ceballos, Guler, Diaz, Modric, Vallejo, Vazquez, F. Garcia, Courtois, Martin, Endrick
Injured and Unavailable Players
Barcelona
- Pedri – Thigh injury
- Frenkie de Jong – Hamstring issue
- Gavi – Knee problem
- Ronald Araujo – Muscle strain
- Ansu Fati – Recovering from injury
- Ferran Torres – Extended break after Euro 2024
- Lamine Yamal – Extended break after Euro 2024
- Fermin Lopez – Participating in Olympics
- Eric Garcia – Participating in Olympics
- Pau Cubarsi – Participating in Olympics
Real Madrid:
- Kylian Mbappe – Extended break after Euro 2024
- Jude Bellingham – Not included in US tour squad
- Dani Carvajal – Not included in US tour squad
- Ferland Mendy – Not included in US tour squad
- Federico Valverde – Not included in US tour squad
- Aurelien Tchouameni – Not included in US tour squad
- Eduardo Camavinga – Not included in US tour squad
- Cesar Palacios – Returning to Madrid due to serious knee injury
This list highlights the significant absences for both teams, which could have a major impact on the match dynamics and strategies employed by the managers.
Form Guide
Barcelona’s pre-season kicked off with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Manchester City, which they won on penalties. The Blaugrana showcased their attacking prowess and resilience, with new signing Pau Victor finding the net.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in their first pre-season outing. Despite the loss, the match provided valuable minutes for several players, including debutant Endrick.
Head-to-Head
These two giants of Spanish football have a long and storied rivalry. Their most recent competitive encounter saw Real Madrid emerge victorious with a 3-2 win in La Liga on April 21, 2024. However, Barcelona had the upper hand in their last friendly meeting, securing a 3-0 victory on July 29, 2023.
Key Players to Watch
For Barcelona, all eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski, who will be eager to start the new season in fine form. The Polish striker’s link-up play with Raphinha and young talent Pau Victor could be crucial in breaking down Real Madrid’s defense.
Real Madrid’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of Endrick, who has shown glimpses of his immense potential. The Brazilian teenager will be supported by the creative talents of Luka Modric and Arda Guler in midfield.
Where to Watch
For fans eager to catch this exciting El Clásico friendly, here’s a breakdown of how to watch the match in various countries:
United States: TV: ESPN2, Streaming: ESPN+
Spain: TV: La 1, Streaming: RTVE Play
United Kingdom: TV: Not available, Streaming: DAZN
Canada: TV: Not available, Streaming: DAZN
Australia: TV: Not available, Streaming: Optus Sport
India: TV: Sports18, Streaming: JioCinema
Fans should note that availability may be subject to change, and it’s advisable to check local listings closer to the match time.
Prediction
Given the pre-season context and the absence of several key players on both sides, this match could be an open and entertaining affair. Barcelona’s attack looks slightly more settled, but Real Madrid’s midfield creativity could prove decisive.
Predicted score: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
This friendly encounter promises to be a fascinating preview of the season ahead for both teams. While the result may not carry competitive significance, the performance and fitness levels of players will be crucial as they build towards the start of La Liga and their respective European campaigns.
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