El Clasico is beautifully poised this weekend, with both sides separated by just three points at the top of the table. Barcelona arrive in better form, but Real Madrid with home advantage. Perhaps the player in the best form though is Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger has turned his Barcelona career around, and has 8 goals and 8 assists in his 13 appearances this season, most recently adding a second hat-trick of the season. A surprise to all, according to Relevo, his movement between the lines and his ability to attack space are what worry Carlo Ancelotti and his staff most about the Catalan outfit. The partnership he has formed with Robert Lewandowski, one dropping and the other moving in behind, has been incredibly productive for Hansi Flick.
Pedri is back to his very best. His versatility shines in every match. When he plays more advanced, he's a creative force, threading passes and breaking down defenses. Drop him deeper, and he's the anchor, setting the pace, recovering balls, and orchestrating Barcelona's game.… pic.twitter.com/HQYHOMRXH3
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 25, 2024
Los Blancos will seek to reduce his impact by setting Aurelien Tchouameni on him. He will told that not only must he add fluidity in possession, but he must be especially attentive to Raphinha when the ball is lost, and be aware that he wins the ball back often too. The Frenchman will remain close to the Brazilian. With the ball, Real Madrid will seek to set Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in behind to attack the space left by Barcelona’s high line.
The question will no doubt be whether Real Madrid can beat the first wave of pressure from Barcelona, and set Mbappe loose on the backline. If they cannot, then Barcelona will probably back themselves to break down the Real Madrid backline, which has not looked convincing, and has been robbed of their safety net in Thibaut Courtois through injury.
