Barcelona host arch-rivals Real Madrid in a special El Clasico that could decide the 2024/25 La Liga title.

Currently, Barca is at the top of the table with 79 points, while Real Madrid is chasing with a gap of 4 points.

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Barca and Real Madrid fight for the La Liga title. Photo: Diario AS

On an individual level, the El Clasico in round 35 of La Liga is also a battle to determine the Pichichi title (Top scorer), between Robert Lewandowski - who currently has 25 goals, and Kylian Mbappe - the author of 24 goals for Real Madrid.

For Barca, in addition to the goal of winning to conquer La Liga, the El Clasico is also an opportunity to overcome the pain of defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals.

For their part, Real Madrid sought to turn the tables and snatch glory from their opponents.

Not an easy task for Carlo Ancelotti and his team. Because, in the past 36 years, no Real Madrid coach has been able to win 2 consecutive La Liga titles.

Compared to the loss to Inter, Hansi Flick has the return of Alejandro Balde. However, his ability to start is still uncertain.

Similarly, Lewandowski is not in the best shape despite playing a few minutes against Inter. Hansi Flick is expected to use only Balde and Lewandowski in the second half, depending on the home team's situation.

On the right wing, Jules Kounde continues to be absent. Previously, Ronald Araujo was the alternative, but Eric Garcia is more trusted at the moment.

Barring any surprises, Hansi Flick will repeat the starting lineup from Milan, with Lamine Yamal – Ferran Torres – Raphinha up front.

This will be Ancelotti's last Clasico. He is considering a change with Arda Guler playing on the right wing, replacing Rodrygo who has been disappointing since the start of the year.

With six players injured, Ancelotti had to move Tchouameni to play as a centre-back. In midfield, Dani Ceballos was considered to partner Federico Valverde.

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Lamine Yamal will be Fran Garcia's challenge. Photo: EFE

Real Madrid 's worries lie on the wings: Lucas Vazquez has to face Raphinha, while Fran Garcia will have difficulty marking Lamine Yamal.

Real Madrid will have to make up for their lack of offense with defense. Ancelotti will ask his forwards to help defend, while also expecting them to shine: Kylian Mbappe (8 goals) and Vinicius (7) have scored 15 goals against the Catalans in their careers.

The El Clasico battle at Montjuic is fierce. Barca has more advantages, but Real Madrid can completely think of 1 point, meaning La Liga will not end soon.

Force:

Barca: Kounde, Bernal injured.

Real Madrid: Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy, Carvajal, Militao, Camavinga injured.

Expected lineup:

Barca (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Ceballos; Arda Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappe.

Match odds: Barca handicap 1/2

Goal ratio: 3 3/4

Prediction: 2-2 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-barca-vs-real-madrid-vong-35-la-liga-2399887.html