The first "el clasico" of the season is today at "Montjuic" (16.15:XNUMX p.m.), Barcelona has a chance to overtake Real Madrid and take first place in the La Liga standings.
Analyzing the previous 10 rounds in the championship, many agree that Barça left a better impression than the "royal club", but the fact is that Real has one more point before the clash in Catalonia, as well as that until seven days ago it was at plus three. .
For the advantage in the table compared to the current champion, Carlo Ancelotti should, first of all, thank Jude Bellingham, the scorer of eight goals so far, many of which were crucial, so the young Englishman is rightly expected to shine in the biggest game in the white jersey.
Montenegrin legend and one of Real's icons Predrag Mijatović admits that he is not delighted with how Ancelotti's team looks in the opening part of the season.
- Real is winning, but I don't like how they are playing. It's quite chaotic. Ancelotti was very successful with the 4-3-3 system, but changed it this season to make room for Bellingham and other young players. He's doing well at the moment, but we'll see how long that lasts. I don't think he believes in this 4-4-2 system - said Mijatović for "As".
XAVI: I DON'T KNOW IF LEVANDOVSKI WILL PLAY
Barca is unbeaten this season in La Liga and the Champions League. In the championship, she registered seven triumphs in 10 matches, in the Champions League she has a maximum performance, so Xavi Hernandez has no doubt that "el clasico" comes at the right moment for his team.
- I want us to attack and beat Real with the help of the fans - Xavi said.
What does he expect from his big rival?
- After the arrival of Bellingham, Real changed the way they play and it is clearly visible. Danger threatens from every side, there are Rodrigo, Vinicius... We have to be ready for anything.
Robert Lewandowski could play, as he recovered from an ankle injury faster than expected.
- Will he play - I don't know. It's good and training. That's all I'll say - he didn't want to reveal much to Xavi.
BELLINGHAM READY, MODRIC GOES FOR HISTORY
In the last round, Real drew in Seville, ending the series of three triumphs in the championship.
- This is an important period of the season. Barça away games are always special, but we need to understand this game like any other. Points are the most important thing, I believe we have enough quality to beat a great rival - Ancelotti said.
Luka Modrić is again announced on the bench, and if he plays, he will become the oldest participant in the history of "el classic" at the age of 38 years and 47 days.
- I won't tell you if Modrić starts or not. How does he handle being a backup? The players are professionals and understand the decisions. Nobody asks me for an explanation why he is not playing, nor am I someone who wants to give them - the Italian is clear.
Bellingham should be on the field after recovering from a minor injury.
- He will play, he feels good and is motivated. Everyone in our team knows very well what "el clasico" is - added Ancelotti.
Atletico Madrid is also interested in the clash at "Montjuic", which is in a series of five victories in La Liga and with a match less, has two minus points compared to Barça, and three points compared to Real. Our Stefan Savić's team will play against Alaves on Sunday at "Vanda Metropolitano".
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