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Real Madrid take on Barcelona this evening in the first Clasico fixture of the campaign. Never a game for faint-hearted, tonight’s match will have the extra element of Luis Suarez’ long-awaited debut.

The Uruguayan forward, a one-time target for Los Blancos, joined Los Cules in the summer but was banned for four months after biting an opponent while playing for his country at the World Cup. He debut for the Catalans come just hours after the ban ended.

Los Blancos go into this evening’s match in fine form, having won eight games in a row in all competitions. They are scoring an average of more than three a game in La Liga, and in Cristiano Ronaldo, possess possibly the most in-from player in the world.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have ground to make up though having lost two of the first three league games. They sit four points behind tonight’s visitors, and even though it is still early days in the campaign, a loss, and a seven point gap would be a big ask to close, even at this stage.

Barcelona come into the game unbeaten in the league, and yet to concede a goal. With Suarez set to make his debut, and Leo Messi looking for the two goals that would see him become the league’s all time top scorer, Madrid’s defenders will have their work cut out.

In terms of team news, the big absence for Los Blancos is Gareth Bale. The Welshman sat out the midweek win over Liverpool and hasn’t recovered in time to play Barca, who will have horrible memories of playing him after his stunner in the Copa del Rey final last season. Sergio Ramos is fit again having missed the last two weeks through injury and should replace Raphael Varane in the heart of the defence.

For Barcelona, Pedro will likely drop to the bench to allow Suarez to play, while Xavi is likely to drop to the bench despite a good display against Eibar last weekend. The veteran’s legs have caught up with him and Luis Enrique may feel that Ivan Rakitic is better equipped to deal with Luka Modric and James Rodriguez in midfield.

Probable line-ups:Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Rodriguez; Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema
Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Matieu, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic; Suarez, Messi, Neymar

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Carlo Ancelotti has revealed in a press conference that there could be “a surprise” in Real Madrid’s starting eleven to face Barcelona in El Clasico.

“We need to look for the rival’s weaknesses. I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m thinking of including a surprise. I did it last year [Ramos played as a holding midfielder] and it didn’t work well, but other times it has. I’m considering a surprise. Might be that I take a midfielder out to include one more forward, or the other way round,” Ancelotti said.

When asked to make a comparison with last year’s Clasicos, the Italian manager explained he sees a “more motivated Barcelona, because of the new coach and new players.”

Ancelotti confessed he’s “satisfied with the way Real Madrid are playing.” “We understood very well what was failing when we lost to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid. We’ve worked hard looking for balance; players are committed and playing together. It’s all their merit,” he added.

Regarding the controversy on Luis Suarez returning from his ban, the Los Blancos boss was clear: “That is not my problem. I have huge respect for him, but whether he plays or not is not going to change our idea.”

Asked about then injured players, Ancelotti confirmed Pepe and Ramos “are fit and will play.” He also spoke about Gareth Bale: “He’s been injured for a week and won’t be available. He has to rest one more week before going back to training. He’s one of the most important players.”

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The big day has arrived. The first Clasico of the season. Real Madrid versus Barcelona.

Tonight, around the world more than 500 million people will tune in to watch the 169th La Liga meeting between the two most successful sides. 14 nations will be represented on the field. And that’s why the papers are billing this as the worldwide Clasico.

Marca says the earth will shake, while AS goes for the ‘Football Expo’ headline. There are so many fascinating elements to tonight’s encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the papers have them all covered.

Luis Suarez is set to make his debit, Leo Messi could break the league goalscoring record. What reception will he get if he does just that? Ronaldo is is fine form and has scored 15 league goals already this term. Sergio Ramos is fit again, but will Raphael Varane keep his place? All these issues questions are being asked and debated on.

There will be new faces too in a Clasico fixture. Javier Hernandez, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos have never taken part in one for Real Madrid. At the other end of the scale, Iker Casillas will be taking part in his 36th Clasico fixture, having made his first appearance against Los Cules at the age of 18, some 14 years ago now.

We’re into the final few hours before kick off. It’s time to enjoy the atmosphere build up. Hala Madrid!

 

 

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Marcelo has said his fellow Real Madrid team mates must rest after the 3-0 over Liverpool and then prepare well for the match against Barcelona on Saturday.

The Brazilian left-back played his part in the win at Anfield, helping Los Blancos secure a clean sheet. The three points helped the 10-time Champions League winners take a giant stride towards the knock-out round.

And speaking to journalists afterwards, Marcelo said the team needed to rest after a top quality performance. He added they would have to recover quickly and prepare well for a huge match on Saturday evening.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men take on Los Cules at the Santiago Bernabeu looking for a win that would cut the gap at the top of La Liga to just one point. Los Blancos have won their past eight matches in all competitions but lost ground in La Liga early on after losing two of their first three matches.

Talking to reporters, Marcelo stated: “We’re fine. But we know that playing against Barcelona is difficult, it is a match that everyone wants to play in. We have to rest on the days we can and train in the time we have. It will not be an easy match.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is not worried about breaking the club record for the most amount of goals in the Champions League but would rather win the trophy again.

The Portuguese international netted in the 3-0 win over Liverpool in Wednesday night, his 18th goal in an already remarkable season for the striker. It was his 70th goal in the Champions League for Los Blancos and he now sits just one shy of club legend Raul.

But speaking to reporters after the game at Anfield, a ground he had never scored at in his career until last night, the forward said: “I’m not worried about beating the record but I am very happy about the good job. The best thing is that the team won and got three points. It was a perfect night. It is a very important victory. I had never won or scored here. I feel good. The record is not the important thing. The important thing is playing well, playing attractive football.”

The 29-year-old then switched his attention to the Clasico on Saturday, reminding supporters it is a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, not between him and Leo Messi.

“It will be a difficult match because Barcelona are playing well. I’m not going to play against Messi, I’m going to play against Barcelona. They are a great team. Real Madrid and Barcelona are playing each other,” he stated.

“We’re not going to make any excuses. But I don’t understand why they put the match on Saturday. It is a difficult match and all footballers know that an extra day’s rest is significant. Cup matches aren’t so important. However, I don’t want to make excuses because the team is fine and confident,” he added.

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El Clasico is without a doubt the most vibrant match in Spanish football, and arguably the best in the world. Real Madrid and Barcelona have the two strongest squads in football, and every time they face each other they offer high quality goals.

Realmadridnews.com has selected the top ten El Clasico goals available on Youtube. The biggest legends of European football have made it into the list, such as Maradona, Raul Gonzalez, Ronaldinho, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. Los Merengues legend Raul is the only one to have two goals among the best ten.

Here is our ranking:

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 2012-13

9. Leo Messi (Barcelona) 2010-11

8. Julio Baptista (Real Madrid) 2007-08

7. Ronaldinho Gaucho (Barcelona) 2005-06

6. Romario (Barcelona) 1993-94

5. Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid) 1999-2000

4. Dani Alves (Barcelona) 2011-12

3. Diego Maradona (Barcelona) 1982-83

2. Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid) 2001-02

1. Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid) 1999-2000

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Real Madrid could be planning a bid for Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj, according to CaughtOffside.

Florentino Perez is convinced he will need to bring a couple of players during the winter transfer market in order to reinforce the squad for the second half of the season, and he could have set his eyes on the Belgian international.

In fact, CaughtOffside have claimed Los Blancos have already offered United 30 million euros to bring the 19-year-old midfielder to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Januzaj signed a five-year deal with the Red Devils, but he has played a limited role in the team since Angel di Maria arrived to Old Trafford. Thus, he could welcome a move out of Manchester.

Januzaj made his professional debut with United last season, playing a total 35 games in all competitions and scoring four goals. However, this season, he has only played 122 minutes, and manager Louis van Gaal doesn’t see him as a crucial part of his plans.

However, it seems highly unlikely that a player of his characteristics would get more minutes of play at the Santiago Bernabeu than at Old Trafford. Los Blancos have that position covered with world-class stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco, Jese and James Rodriguez.

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Leo Messi has said his main focus at the moment is beating Real Madrid at the weekend and not breaking the La Liga goalscoring record.

The 27-year-old will come to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening just two goals shy of breaking Telmo Zarra’s all-time record. And amidst calls for the Madridista fanbase to honour him should he do it, Messi said he is not thinking about that but just the three points.

Barcelona saw of Ajax in their Champions League group game on Tuesday evening, and speaking afterwards, Messi told reporters he is raring to go against Barca’s fierce rivals.

“We’re going there to do the best we possibly can and win. This match won’t decide anything and there’s a lot left in the season, but we’re going there to try and win and play well. What’s important is beating Real Madrid, not breaking Zarra’s record,” he told reporters.

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and the head of the La Liga have both called on the Madrid supporters to be respectful should Messi get the two goals he needs. Zubizarreta said he would expect a standing ovation, similar to when Madridistas applauded Ronaldinho off the field after he scored a hat trick against them on 2005.

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Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has said the team is going into the Clasico fixture full of confidence and in great shape.

Los Blancos secured a comfortable 3-0 at Anfield over Liverpool i the Champions League on Wednesday night. The win gave Los Blancos their third win out of three in the group and puts them in a commanding position to qualify for the last 16 and take a further step to defending the competition they won last season.

Now with that game out of the way, Casillas said the team could focus on the match against Barcelona this Saturday and on making up ground in La Liga.

“We go into the Clásico in good shape. But it’s a different game. What’s important is that we’re playing at home and the aim is to win the match to cut the points gap on Barcelona. Cristiano is in really good form,” he said.

He continued: “We’re in really good shape and the team is looking strong in every department. In the matches to come we have to continue in this vein of winning, winning and winning. I think that the good thing is that we feel comfortable in whatever system the coach chooses; that’s fundamental. Knowing that we are a team is what will get us to the final like in other seasons.”

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Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva has confessed he felt “great joy” when he heard about the news on Real Madrid being interested in signing him.

The 21-year-old midfielder told to Spanish newspaper Marca “it was great news.” “I was very happy to hear it. Catching Real Madrid’s interest is an honour. I have to focus on Cruzeiro at the moment, because it’s my team, but Real’s interest gives me strength to keep working,” he added.

When asked if he would like to join Los Blancos, Silva didn’t hesitate: “Of course I would like to play at Real Madrid, it would be an honour. However, I belong to Cruzeiro, and I respect my club. But it Madrid called me I would gladly accept.”

Silva admitted he has spoken about Real with team-mate Julio Baptista, who used to play at the Santiago Bernabeu. “He has always told me it’s a great club, one of the greatest in the world,” he told Marca.

The Brazilian player admitted he would like to play in Europe. “I think I am ready,” he said. “The game is faster than here, and I could adapt. I watch many La Liga and Premier League matches, and I dream of playing the Champions League,” he added.

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