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As it happenedended

El Clasico Barcelona vs Real Madrid: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the La Liga clash at the Nou Camp

Mark Critchley
Wednesday 30 November 2016 13:33 EST

What time does it start?

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The 232nd Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be held on Saturday 3 December at 3.15pm GMT at the Nou Camp, Barcelona.

Where can I watch it?

Unfortunately, it will not be shown on television in the UK.

You will, however, be able to follow The Independent’s live coverage on our blog.

Why is it not on TV?

It is illegal to broadcast live football matches on UK television between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturdays due to the potential impact on match attendances.

Ironically, the 3.15pm kick-off time was chosen in order to maximise the global television audience.

If you live elsewhere in the world, you can find information on where to watch the game here.

Follow it live...

What does the league table look like?

Predictably, these two sit at the top of La Liga, but it’s the reigning Spanish champions who are playing catch up.

Barcelona are five points off Real Madrid, who remain unbeaten in all competitions under Zinedine Zidane this season.

Luis Enrique's side have already lost twice in the league, against Alaves and Celta Vigo, and suffered defeat to Manchester City in Champions League.

What happened last time?

Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 2
La Liga, April 2016

Madrid's players celebrate their late victory at the Nou Camp last season
Madrid's players celebrate their late victory at the Nou Camp last season (Getty)

One of the more memorable Clasico's in recent years saw Barcelona's 39-game unbeaten run ended by a depleted Real Madrid at Nou Camp.

Cristiano Ronaldo's late strike granted victory to the visitors, who had seen Sergio Ramos pick up a customary red card just minutes earlier.

Gerard Pique's header had put Barça ahead, only for Karim Benzema to level with an acrobatic finish.

The three points did not help Real's wiltering title challenge but Los Blancos were spurred on the Champions League glory, which came against rivals Atletico in Milan a month later.

Make your prediction...

What's the form?

Barcelona: WWWDD

Real Madrid: WWWWW

What are the odds?

Barcelona: 11/12

Draw: 13/4

Real Madrid: 16/5

Kick-off! We're under way at the Nou Camp!

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:19

2 min: The first excessive tackle comes from Sergio Ramos, unsurprisngly. He goes in forcefully on Lionel Messi, no free-kick though.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:22

3 min: Penalty shout for Madrid!

Javier Mascherano goes in rough on Lucas Vazquez. The referee waves play on, much to Vazquez's disbelief.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:25

7 min: Madrid are tight, compact and looking like they won't give the hosts a spare inch this afternoon.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:27

9 min: First big opening of the game for Barcelona!

Lovely first-time play from the hosts, who eventually work the ball out to Sergi Roberto at the far post.

He attempts to cut back across the face of goal but the ball strikes Ramos. There are handball shouts and it certainly hits the defender's arm, but hard to say that was intentional.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:28

11 min: Sergio Busquets has started brilliantly.

He unlocks Madrid's defensive line once again with a superb ball over the top, but Luis Suarez has moved slightly too soon and is flagged offside.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:30

On that penalty shout against Mascherano earlier, seems like he was a lucky boy. 

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:31

13 min: Yellow card for Isco, fouls Neymar late.

First sight of goal for Cristiano Ronaldo, who flicks a header from just inside the penalty area.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, making his first Clasico appearance, holds it easily.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:34

18 min: Free-kick to Barcelona after a foul by Luka Modric, Messi steps up but sees his effort gathered by Keylor Navas.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:37

22 min: Excellent play down Madrid's left from Vazquez, who teases Barcelona's defence before swinging a cross in for Karim Benzema.

The France striker hits a tremendous volley but it's blocked by Gerard Pique.

Mark Critchley3 December 2016 15:40

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