Preseason El Clasico: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid - How to Watch Live, Stream Online, TV Channel, and Prediction
Despite being in the preseason phase, the excitement of a Clasico remains unparalleled as Barcelona and Real Madrid gear up for a face-off in Texas ahead of the upcoming La Liga season. Both teams are still a work in progress, but the intensity of this historic rivalry always promises an enthralling encounter.
Barcelona has experienced a relatively quiet offseason with no significant signings so far, though rumors suggest Ousmane Dembele might make a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Notably, long-time defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets has departed for Major League Soccer to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, while left-back Jordi Alba's potential departure looms. In Busquets' absence, Ilkay Gundogan has joined from Manchester City.
On the other hand, Real Madrid has already secured one major offseason target in Jude Bellingham, but they have bid farewell to Karim Benzema, who now plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League. Additionally, the highly anticipated prospect of Kylian Mbappe potentially joining Real Madrid when his contract ends next summer is generating buzz.
Key Points to Watch: Real Madrid: With the absence of Benzema and no prominent striker signed yet, manager Carlo Ancelotti has experimented with his two young Brazilian wingers, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, playing as strikers, with Jude Bellingham operating as a number 10 behind them. This setup proved successful in a 3-2 friendly win against Manchester United and a 2-0 victory against AC Milan earlier in the tour.
Barcelona: The midfield remains a question mark for Barcelona. In their lone preseason match, a 5-3 loss to Arsenal, Gundogan started in midfield alongside new signing Oriol Romeo, who played as the deepest midfielder. However, it seems unlikely that Romeo will be Barcelona's first-choice defensive midfielder, leaving their intended setup somewhat mysterious. Saturday night's match might shed some light on their plans.
Prediction: Preseason friendlies often lack defensive resistance, but the passion of a Clasico ensures both teams won't hold back. A 2-2 draw would be indicative of their relatively even strength, as both squads are likely a move or two away from their desired form for the upcoming season.
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