Barcelona vs Real Madrid. Spanish La Liga.
Camp NouAttendance98,760.
Monday 23 March 2015 11:34, UK
Barcelona host Real Madrid in the season’s second Clasico hoping to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table to four points.
The Catalans have taken advantage of Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s recent slip ups to move into poll position in the title race, winning nine of their last 10 league matches.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have won just one of their last four games but will take confidence from having won the reverse fixture 3-1 back in October.
While both managers insist that the game will not be decisive in the title battle, a win for Barcelona in particular would put them in a very strong position heading into the final months of the campaign.
Team news
Barcelona will welcome back Sergio Busquets after an ankle injury, the club confirming via a statement that the midfielder had been passed fit.
Jordi Alba and Dani Alves return after suspension
Cristiano Ronaldo is available and could be joined in the Real Madrid line-up by Sergio Ramos who has recovered from a hamstring problem. The defender has been out of action since Madrid's victory over Schalke last month.
James Rodriguez remains a major doubt as he continues his recovery from a fracture in his right foot.
Stats
Former Real and Spain defender Fernando Hierro is the most booked player in the history of the fixture with 19 collected in official 'Clasicos' (18 yellow and one red). Real's current centre back Sergio Ramos has 14 yellow cards and two red.
Real have beaten Barca 92 times in official matches, with 89 wins for Barca and 48 draws.
Lionel Messi has scored 21 goals in 29 'Clasicos'. The four-times World Player of the Year is the highest scorer among current members of either squad. Cristiano Ronaldo has 14 for Real.
An estimated 500 million fans around the world will watch the game between the Spanish giants on Sunday.
Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in 31 of their last 35 home matches in La Liga.
