Real Madrid vs Barcelona

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Real Madrid will aim to extend their lead to 11 points over Barcelona, their closest rival, in the La Liga standings as they prepare to host their fierce adversaries at the Bernabeu for the upcoming El Clasico showdown.

Both teams recently participated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Real Madrid emerged victorious against Manchester City, securing a spot in the semi-finals, whereas Barcelona suffered elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, especially after a challenging second leg on their home turf.

In what could potentially set the stage for a La Liga and Champions League double, a triumph over Barcelona on Sunday evening would significantly bolster Real Madrid's title aspirations in the Spanish top flight.

Should Carlo Ancelotti's men clinch a victory in El Clasico on their home ground, they would surge ahead by 11 points with only six matches remaining. Such a commanding lead would seemingly make any comeback by their rivals highly improbable. Conversely, a defeat for Los Blancos would narrow the gap to just five points, reigniting the title race in earnest.

This season, Real Madrid has undeniably been the dominant force in La Liga, boasting an impressive record of 24 wins, six draws, and a solitary defeat in 31 matches, accumulating a total of 78 points. Notably, they currently enjoy an eight-point advantage over Barcelona in the standings. Furthermore, they lead the league in both goals scored, with 67 to their credit, and fewest goals conceded, having conceded just 20 goals so far.

After winning their fourth straight game in the top division of Spain last weekend, Ancelotti's squad defeated Mallorca 1-0 in the league. On Wednesday night, they defeated Man City in the Champions League.

Real Madrid had to give up a lot of possession and scoring chances, but they managed to draw 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium to make it 4-4 overall. The match had to go to penalties, and the Spanish powerhouses won the shootout to go to the semifinals against Bayern Munich.

After winning 2-1 in the rematch between the two clubs in October, Los Blancos will be attempting to make it a league double over Barcelona this year.

Barcelona underwent a contrasting narrative in Europe earlier this week, enduring a 4-1 defeat at home to PSG in the second leg of their quarter-final, thus departing the competition with a 6-4 aggregate loss.

Xavi's squad had initially held a 3-2 lead after the first leg in Paris and were 4-2 ahead overall when Raphinha scored in the 12th minute of Tuesday's encounter. However, the complexion of the game shifted dramatically with Ronald Araujo's expulsion in the 29th minute, subsequently leading to four unanswered goals by the French champions and sealing their passage to the semi-finals.

Barcelona's singular focus now turns to the league, with this upcoming fixture deemed crucial for the Catalan side's aspirations of retaining the La Liga title this season.

The reigning champions have maintained an unbeaten streak in the league since the conclusion of January, clinching victory on eight occasions since then, notably triumphing in their last four matches against Mallorca, Atletico Madrid, Las Palmas, and Cadiz.

Amid ongoing speculation, Xavi remains intent on stepping down as head coach this summer, signaling significant upheaval on the horizon for the club as they navigate the upcoming transfer window.

Barcelona boasts the second-best away record in La Liga this season, amassing 33 points from 15 outings while maintaining an unblemished record in the process. However, they now face a daunting visit to Real Madrid, who have similarly remained undefeated at the Bernabeu in Spain's top flight this season.

Luka Modric emerges as a potential choice to rejuvenate the midfield, although Eduardo Camavinga ought to maintain his position centrally alongside Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde.

Turning attention to Barcelona, Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen are poised for a return to the squad following their absence from the PSG encounter due to suspensions.

Gavi and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined with extensive knee injuries, yet the Catalan side presents a robust overall form, with Araujo ready for action outside of European competitions, given his suspension is exclusive to such matches.

Anticipated adjustments foresee Christensen's integration into the midfield lineup for Sunday's fixture, potentially shifting Pedri into a more advanced role alongside Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

Following an early substitution prompted by Araujo's expulsion against PSG, Lamine Yamal could find himself initially on the bench as El Clasico commences.

Heading into what could potentially be a decisive El Clasico on Sunday evening, both Real Madrid and Barcelona boast relatively unblemished injury records.

With Madrid currently holding an eight-point advantage over their rivals, anything less than a victory for Barcelona would essentially hand the La Liga title to Los Blancos.

Should Madrid emerge victorious, it would compound Barcelona's recent woes. Just last Wednesday, they suffered a crushing elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat in the second-leg quarter-final match at home. In contrast, Madrid secured a thrilling victory over Manchester City, progressing to the semi-finals after a penalty shootout, and are now set to face Bayern Munich.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal are anticipated to be fit for Sunday's clash, having been substituted during extra time on Wednesday due to minor injuries.

Aurelien Tchouameni, absent due to suspension against Man City, returns to the fold after a week-long rest period.