.Image source, Getty Images
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick believed his side were ready for the challenge of Real, but admitted they must address defensive weaknesses exposed by PSG in midweek.
"The players have recovered and they're ready for this game," he said at his pre-match media conference.
"El Clasico is different, the best match our sport has to offer. Everyone will be watching. You can only win three points, but it's so much more than that."
The German praised Madrid's attacking quality and warned Barcelona could not afford to be complacent.
"I expect a very confident team," he added. "Real Madrid is a great club with great players and a great coach. They have players with great quality in the final third. They've shown that in recent matches. We have to be careful and prepared."
.Image source, Getty Images
Barcelona head into tonight's match on the back of a 4-2 Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain, giving Jose Mourinho's men the perfect opportunity to capitalise on that setback and wreck the record bid of their rivals.
Mourinho has insisted his team's most recent performances, two 4-1 victories against Sevilla and RB Leipzig, would count for little in a fixture that has such global appeal and standing.
"We are in a good dynamic, we play well, we score goals, but the Clasico is different. What we have done before has no influence," he said.
"There are other important matches in the world, but this is the only Clasico, the world stops."
Elizabeth Conway
BBC Sport Spanish football reporter at Camp Nou
.Image source, Getty Images
There’s a real buzz of excitement in the air here in Barcelona. The fans I spoke to earlier told me that news of Courtois’ absence has only boosted their confidence ahead of tonight’s clash. The skies are clear, the temperature is perfect, and the conditions are ideal for football. Everything is set for a fantastic night.
Real Madrid starting XI
Real Madrid starting XI
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has not travelled with the Real Madrid squad to Barcelona today after Real Madrid announced he had the flu. Andriy Lunin replaces him.
Yan Diomande starts up front alongside Kylian Mbappe, replacing Vinicius Jr, who is suspended.
Jose Mourinho has opted for a 4-4-2 formation, rather than the 4-2-3-1 he played with against RB Leipzig.
Real Madrid XI: Lunin, Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella, Guler, Tchouameni, Silva, Bellingham, Mbappe, Diomande.
Subs: Diaz, Alexander-Arnold, Camavinga, Dumfries, Espi, Carreras, Mestre, Militao, Endrick, Pitarch, Rudiger, Voloshyn.
5. Barcelona starting XI
Barcelona starting XI
6. .Image source, Getty Images
Skip to table keyMatch Participants:
Barcelona, Position 1, Points 27
Real Madrid, Position 3, Points 21
|||||||||||
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first
Please note: All times are UK. Some content is provided by third parties, is subject to change, and is unverified.
Team Lineups
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Please note: All times are UK. Some content is provided by third parties, is subject to change, and is unverified.