Kylian Mbappe's gets his first taste of Real Madrid's biggest rivalry, Barcelona's rising star hits new heights and Vinicus Jr continues to look Ballon d'Or-worthy: Five talking points ahead of El Cla
- Barcelona leads the league by three points ahead of Real Madrid as they prepare for the El Clasico at the Bernabeu.
- Kylian Mbappe, who has scored six goals against Barcelona while at PSG, aims to enhance his record.
- The clash is filled with high expectations as both teams showcase their stars and fight for supremacy in a historic rivalry.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the storied rivalry of El Clasico resumes in Spain as Barcelona takes on Real Madrid at the renowned Bernabeu stadium. Currently leading La Liga, Barcelona holds a narrow three-point advantage over their rivals. Their recent performance included a commanding 4-1 victory against Bayern Munich, showcasing their form as they head into this pivotal matchup. The stakes are high as both teams aim to assert dominance in a battle that transcends mere league points. Kylian Mbappe, a formidable presence in Real Madrid's attack, looks to build on his impressive history against Barcelona, where he netted six goals during his tenure at PSG. His contribution could be crucial, considering Real's ambitions this season. Meanwhile, Raphinha aims to capitalize on his recent successes, including a hat-trick against Bayern, and Bellingham, still seeking his first goal of the season, is eager to make his mark on the big stage. Controversy surrounds Barcelona's goalkeeping situation as Inaki Pena continues to fill in for the injured Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Coach Hansi Flick has faith in Pena despite growing calls for the experienced Wojciech Szczesny to step in. A strong performance from Pena this weekend could either justify the decision to stick with him or amplify criticisms amid a high-pressure match. Both teams are expected to bring their best to this eagerly anticipated clash, as individual performances could have significant implications for the players' and clubs' aspirations, including potential accolades like the Ballon d'Or.