La Liga leaders Real Madrid play host to arch rivals Barcelona on Sunday as Carlo Ancelotti's side aim to take another step closer to the Spanish title in 2022.
Los Blancos have built up a ten-point lead ahead of the final ten games of the campaign with Barcelona, and defending champions Atletico Madrid, both struggling to keep pace.
However, El Clasico changes the balance of their respective form, as the biggest game in Spanish football, and it is a chance for Xavi's visitors to test their progress in 2022.
Both sides head into this game on the back of four wins in their last five games in domestic action but the Catalan giants have not won at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu since 2019.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona in Australia
| Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | Match | Stadium | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Mar 21 | 7.00am | Real Madrid vs Barcelona | Santiago Bernabeu | Kayo, beIN Sports |
Real Madrid vs Barcelona projected line-ups
Ancelotti has stuck with a consistent starting XI for the majority of his first season back in Madrid but he faces a few last minute injury calls ahead of kick off.
Brazilian international Rodrygo Goes was forced off in last weekend's 3-0 win away at Mallorca, and an ankle injury is set to keep him out, but Karim Benzema is expected to play through the pain of an ongoing calf problem.
Fellow Les Bleus star Ferland Mendy is also expected to shake off a minor injury in time with veteran full back Marcelo on standby to step in if needed.
Real Madrid projected lineup (4-3-3): Courtois — Mendy, Alaba, Militao, Carvajal — Kroos, Casemiro, Modric — Vini Jr, Benzema, Asensio
Xavi's Barcelona sealed their place in the Europa League last eight with a 2-1 midweek win away at Turkish side Galatasaray.
However, after rotating his starting options in Europe, he is expected to recall Dani Alves to replace Sergino Dest at right back to counter the threat of Vinicius Jr.
Midfield star Nico Gonzalez is back following suspension with Adama Traore and Ronald Araujo also pushing for starting returns in Madrid.
Barcelona projected lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen — Alba, Pique, Araujo, Alves — De Jong, Busquets, Pedri — Aubameyang, Torres, Traore
Real Madrid vs Barcelona past results
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Jan 12, 2022 | Barcelona 2-3 Real Madrid (AET) |
| Oct 24, 2021 | Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid |
| Apr 10, 2021 | Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona |
| Oct 24, 2020 | Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid |
| Mar 1, 2020 | Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona |
