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2 months ago
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Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to face off in New Jersey for El Clasico at the MetLife Stadium, continuing their pre-season preparations.
This highly anticipated match brings two of the biggest football clubs in the world to U.S. soil, offering American fans a rare opportunity to witness this legendary rivalry live.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid squad recently suffered a defeat against AC Milan, making this match an important chance for redemption and improvement.
On the other hand, Barcelona played against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, ending the match in a draw but securing a win during the penalty shootout.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona are currently dealing with several key players’ absences, as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araujo are all unavailable.
Yamal is still on vacation after celebrating his Euro 2024 triumph, while the others are recovering from respective injuries. This situation forces Barcelona’s German manager, Hansi Flick, to rely heavily on his younger players once again.
However, there is some positive news for the team. Reports from Victor Navarro indicate that Ilkay Gundogan, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be available for the Clasico, adding much-needed experience and skill to the lineup.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be available for selection against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
These players did not feature in Barcelona’s previous match against Manchester City, so their inclusion will undoubtedly spice up the game, despite it being a pre-season friendly.
Additionally, Barcelona have welcomed back Raphinha and Jules Kounde to the squad recently. While their return is promising, it remains uncertain whether they are fully match-fit and ready to play.
Meanwhile, several other notable players will also be missing from this contest. Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia, and Pau Cubarsi are all unavailable for various reasons.
These absences are significant, but they also provide an opportunity for younger or less experienced players to step up and showcase their talents on a big stage.
Despite being a pre-season match, El Clasico is never just a friendly. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is intense, and fans at the MetLife Stadium will be hoping for an exciting and competitive game.
Even with the absence of some star players, the atmosphere is expected to be electric as both teams aim to make a statement.
