Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona will make a late fitness call on Lionel Messi ahead of tonight's clásico at the Nou Camp.
The Argentine trained on Tuesday as he looked to recover from a thigh problem picked up against Valencia at the weekend, and the hope is that he is ready to face Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Ousmane Dembele certainly won't be playing, with the French winger struggling to deal with an ankle problem and not included in the squad.
Carles Alena and Malcom, two young players of differing skill sets, are competing for Messi's spot if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner does not recover in time.
Otherwise Barca will be much as expected with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen the only senior goalkeeper fit. Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba will start at full-back with Gerard Pique playing his 33rd clásico alongside newcomer Clement Lenglet.
Sergio Busquets, Arthur and Ivan Rakitic form a formidable midfield trio while the front three is expected to feature the out-of-sorts Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and - hopefully - Messi.
Real Madrid will be hoping not, of course, with youngster Sergio Reguilon pencilled in to play at left-back.
Marcelo has lost favour with new boss Santiago Solari and has found himself out of the team in recent weeks, with Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane set to start in the other defensive positions. Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric continue to be Madrid's first-choice midfield triangle while the front three has the most unknowns.
Karim Benzema should start centrally, with the Frenchman enjoying a productive season after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, but he could be flanked by any number of options. Most likely is Lucas Vazquez, the homegrown winger who offers a lot defensively, while Vinicius Junior and Gareth Bale might be fighting for just one spot on the other wing.
43': Nelson Semedo has been brilliant this half but picks up a silly yellow card for a body check on Vinicus.
HT: Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid
And there goes the half-time whistle. What a first 45 minutes! Both teams look so dangerous going forward and often inept in defence. Keylor Navas and Andre Ter Stergen have made a number of keen saves, Ivan Rakitic hit the woodwork with a header, Malcom came close, but it's Lucas Vazquez whose goal separates the two sides.
Lionel Messi has cut a concerned figure on the sidelines and in a game so glaringly open it can only be a matter of time before the star man is introduced - injury or no injury.
45': Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid
The players are back on the pitch and we're set to get underway in the second half.
47': It's a more measured start to the second half as the two managers look to regain tactical order over the game. Luis Suarez thinks he's through on goal but is ruled offside. The decision was correct. He vehemently disagrees.
51': Philippe Coutinho, who had a fairly anonymous first half, darts into space on the edge of the box, swivels and attempts to curl a signature shot into the top corner. The ball bobbles just before he strikes it though and it soars over. Messi chants ring around Camp Nou in a Mexican wave style format. The Argentine ties his laces in response.
55': Luiz Suarez picks up an innocuous yellow card for a shove on Ramos when charging for the loose ball. The referee thinks he led with his elbow but there was nothing in it on this occasion. Moments later, Marcelo trips Pique on the edge of the Barcelona box and he too receives a yellow card.
58': GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid (Malcom)
Alba darts down the left-wing beyond Dani Carvajal, causing Navas to charge out. Alba wants a penalty but he goalkeeper does well and beats the ball away. It's immediately picked up by Suarez who curls a brilliant shot on goal with his weaker foot, which Ramos does well to clear, but it's third time lucky as it falls for Malcom, who curls it beyond the white shirts barricading the goal line. A deserved goal for the game's standout player.
63:' And here he is. Lionel Messi is on the pitch for Coutinho.
Gareth Bale comes on for Vinicius.
66': Barcelona have two great openings - except it's Lionel Messi who spurns both opportunities. First, in his natural habitat jinking in off the left, but the Argentine is dispossessed by the Frenchman as he opens up to shoot. Just second later, he has the chance to put Suarez clean through on goal but misjudges the pass.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments