Barcelona vs Real Madrid confirmed line-ups: Team news ahead of El Clasico
Winner will go three points clear in La Liga title race
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 host Real Madrid in one of the tensest El Clasico derbies in recent years.
The fixture was originally supposed to take place 52 days ago but was postponed and hastily rescheduled due to public protests and clashes over Catalan independence.
That unrest has overshadowed the build-up to the game, however, on the field, the two sides are level at the top of La Liga, both on 35 points with a game in hand over their nearest challengers Sevilla.
Both sides slipped up in their most recent outings, with Barcelona held to a 2-2 draw by Real Sociedad and Madrid unable to capitalise the following day as they drew 1-1 against Valencia.
Here is everything you need to know:
When is it?
The match kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday 18 December.
How can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Team news
Barcelona: Ousmane Dembele remains absent for Barcelona, while Arthur is also struggling with injury after snowboarding sessions slowed his recovery. Nelson Semedo is available after returning from injury last weekend.
Real Madrid: Eden Hazard will miss the fixture with a foot injury, while Marcelo, James Rodriguez, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez have also all been ruled out.
Confirmed line-ups
Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.
Subs: Neto, Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal, Aleñá, Carles Pérez, Ansu Fati
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Ferland Mendy; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Federico Valverde; Isco, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema.
Subs: Alphonse Areola, Eder Militao, Nacho, Luka Modric, Luka Jovic, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo.
Odds
Barcelona – 4/5
Draw – 3/1
Real Madrid – 3/1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments