New Delhi: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona meet again as two of the biggest clubs in Spain go head to head against each other in this season’s El Clasico tonight. We have witnessed some of the biggest names going head to head against each other in this fixture. Some of the game’s legends have graced this fixture with their presence, and this clash always tends to bring a nerve racking atmosphere around the stadium.
As the two sides meet again in tonight’s clash, we have some exciting battles that will be taking place in the pitch. This fixture involves some of the most exciting talents trying to get the job done for their respective sides and this one will be no different as here we have the key battles that might prove to be pivotal in deciding the match.
Kylian Mbappe vs Robert Lewandowski
Mbappe vs Lewandowski (Getty images)
A star studded number 9’s battle, where both the attackers have had a strong start to their respective campaigns. Kylian Mbappe has already scored six times this season, and he is currently the top scorer for Real Madrid so far. Mbappe is well known for his pace and the ability to beat the defenders and above all, he is an exceptional finisher playing as striker. On the other hand, Robert Lewandowski has finally found his top form again, with 12 goals in in 10 appearances this season, as he is funning right at the top of the scoring charts of Laliga this season.
The veteran striker truly has been an inspiration this season as Barca have scored a total of 33 goals so far, which is by far the most by any Laliga side this season. It will be interesting to see how the battle of strikers goes, which can prove to be a pivotal factor in this clash.
Vinicius Junior vs Jules Kounde
Vinicius vs Kounde (Getty and Jules Kounde)
Vinicius Junior has had yet another promising start to his campaign, with eight goal involvements this season already. The fantastic Brazilian will be playing an important tole in Real Madrid’s attack tonight, which he has been doing for a while now. The electrifying winger will be up against a rather determined fullback, Jules Kounde, who is playing a crucial part in Barca’s excellent start to the season. The French defender has done his job pretty well, in both the ends of the pitch this season.
However, the 25 year old will have to be at the top his game against the Brazilian, as this battle can truly determine the outcome of the match. It will be interesting to see how Flick plans it out, tryi bc to contain Vinicius, playing Kounde at right.
Fede Valverde vs Pedri
Valverde vs Pedri (Getty images)
Fede Valverde’s importance to this Real Madrid side is something that is not being talked about enough. The versatile midfielder has truly been a massive asset for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, putting up a shift in both the halves of the pitch. The midfielder has been a revelation and with four goal contributions already this season, he will be an important factor in tonight’s game against Barcelona where he will be going head to head against the Catalan club’s star midfielder Pedri.
The Spanish international was has had an exceptional start to his Laliga campaign as he also has four goal involvements so far. The youngster has shown tremendous maturity going up the ranks and becoming an influential player for the Catalan side, and his involvement will surely prove to be a massive factor for Hansi Flick’s side against Real Madrid.
Raphinha vs Antonio Rudiger
Raphinha vs Rudiger (Getty images)
Fresh off from scoring a hat-trick against the German giants, Bayern Munich, Raphinha looks like he is having the campaign of his career and either 10 goal involvements already, the Brazilian will be looking to add to his League tally against Real Madrid. It has truly been a revival for Raphinha and his growth under Hansi Flick has been remarkable as he has already been on the score sheet five times, while also providing the same number of assists this Laliga campaign.
However, it will be interesting to see how he the Brazilian performs against Real Madrid where he will be up against a strong opponent by the name of Antonio Rudiger. There is no doubt about the fact that the German has been one of the best defenders in the league for past few seasons, with his physical attributes and defensive awareness. It won’t be an easy task to beat the defender as he will be causing a lot of problems for the Barca forward.
Lamine Yamal vs Ferland Mendy
Yamal vs mendy (Getty images and Ferland Mendy twitter)
Ferland Mendy will be looking to stop the exquisite Lamine Yamal, as the 29 year old hasn’t had the best of opportunities this season. Despite that, Ancelotti has proven in the past that he trusts Mendy as hus leading Left back, and his role would be crucial as in no means he can let the teenage sensation Yamal dominate on the pitch Yamal has started the season with a bang, with 10 goal contributions already, scoring four times while also providing six assists for the Catalan side. His speed, ball control and ability to beat the defenders is quite exquisite, and the maturity he has shown on the pitch at just 17 years of age has is just unbelievable.
