Barcelona vs Real Madrid El Clasico 2019 will kick off at 12.30 am IST (Indian Standard Time) at Camp Nou. The El Clasico – dubbed the biggest game in world football has often had some of the leading footballers of the planet on display. From Zinedine Zidane clashing with Ronaldinho to the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo's decade long rivalry, the Clasico has never disappointed when it comes to creating a spectacle. Tonight, Barcelona clash with Real Madrid again hence expect a roller-coaster ride of emotions, skill and sporting flair. The first El Clasico of any season is a pressure cooker game as it sets the early tempo in the league which is often a two-horse race. So, who are the stars that can decide the outcome of this game? Let us have a quick look. El Clasico 2019, Barcelona vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record: Here’re Football Match Results of Last 5 BAR vs RMA Encounters.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner is in scintillating form at the moment with goals and assists in every game. Messi loves playing in the El Clasico and could hurt Real Madrid with his moment of magic in the attacking third. Barcelona Vs Real Madrid - Live Football Score.
Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona)
After a slow start to the season, Antoine Griezmann has settled in well at Barcelona. He will start out wide in a 4-3-3, but as the game progresses, the Frechman will drop deep to open up space for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. His fine goalscoring form is a warning sign for the visiting Real Madrid.
Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)
A first taste of El Clasico for this talented midfielder from the Netherlands and he has a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. He will have to release the Barcelona forwards in the channels past Madrid defence but also keep the defensive shape of his team intact by not giving the opposition free space.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
The Real Madrid has been there and done that on many occasions in the past for Real Madrid and tonight is yet another acid test for one of the greats of the game. Real Madrid have not defended entirely well so far in the campaign, and this is where the calmness of Sergio Ramos comes in handy for the Los Blancos. El Clasico 2019, FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Lionel Messi vs Sergio Ramos and Other Exciting Mini-Battles to Watch Out For at Camp Nou.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Another veteran in this Real Madrid squad that is firing on all cylinders at the moment. With 16 goals and 7 assists in the campaign so far, Benzema has turned back the clock with some fine displays in all competition. In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, he is the goal scorer Zinedine Zidane needs to win a game of such magnitude.
The two heavyweight sides have played 275 games against each other with Barcelona winning 115, Real Madrid 99 and 61 matches ended in a draw.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2019 04:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).