Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico result, final score and reaction from La Liga fixture today

Karim Benzema has made an astonishing start to the season for Real Madrid, scoring nine goals and assisting a further seven to lead both categories in La Liga.

In Madrid, the striker is being talked about as one of the top contenders for this year’s Ballon D’Or and although Carlo Ancelotti’s side have made an inconsistent start to the season, Benzema’s performances have been a bright light in their campaign so far.

Remarkably, today’s match is the first Clasico since April 2005 without either Lionel Messi or Sergio Ramos.

The captains of Barcelona and Real Madrid, and two of the greatest players to ever feature in this historic fixture, both left their respective clubs this summer, joining PSG.

It could be seen as the end of one generation and the start of another in the Clasico. Indeed, with the likes of Ansu Fati and Vinicius Junior leading the lines and playing pivotal roles for their respective sides, it very much feels like that this afternoon.

Pique, Busquets, and Alba, and Benzema, Modric and Kroos, ensures that there remains some veteran heads on both teams.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are unchanged from their impressive 5-0 win over Shahktar Donetsk in midweek. Karim Benzema captains the side and leads the line alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo, with all three scoring in the Champions League win in Ukraine.

Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro offer a continuity that is in short supply in this particular fixture, more on that in a second, and perhaps the best midfield three of its generation will once again have the opportunity to control play at the Nou Camp.

David Alaba plays his first Clasico alongside Eder Militao.

Barcelona make two changes from Wendesday’s 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League. Eric Garica and Ansu Fati come in for Clement Lenglet and Luuk de Jong.

Jordi Alba starts despite being an injury doubt ahead of the Clasico, while it’s another huge day for 17-year-old Gavi as he makes his first appearance against Real Madrid.

Segino Dest could play on the right wing or at right back, depending on what formation Barcelona play, with Oscar Mingueza filling in at right back or right centre back accordingly.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dest, Garcia, Pique, Mingueza, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, De Jon; Fati, Depay

Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Barcelona are taking on Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in the first Clasico of the season, as both clubs attempt to kickstart their underwhelming La Liga campaigns. Barca in particular have struggled this season in the post-Messi era and Ronaldo Koeman’s tenure as manager could be cut short if he loses against their fierce rivals today.

“It’s not an additional pressure. We have to go out there and be fearless,” Koeman said this week. “There is no fear from our side. I think we both have a good mix of youth and experience. We are better in ball possession and they are very dangerous counter attacking. We have to be aware of their speed when we lose possession and we need to be effective when we have the chance to score. In a game like this, we can’t afford to miss opportunities.”

Barca come into the game seventh in the table while Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are fourth and could go top with victory. Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema have been particularly influential in attack and Barca must find a way to curb their threat.