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Final opportunity for Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the Clasico encounter

If earlier in the season it seemed like Real Madrid's title defense was doomed, a win against Barcelona in the upcoming La Liga Clasico could breathe new life into their campaign.

,   and  ASMedia
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With a dismal start to the season, Real Madrid looks set to resurrect their title defense if they...
With a dismal start to the season, Real Madrid looks set to resurrect their title defense if they can secure victory against arch-rivals Barcelona in this weekend's La Liga Clasico.

Final opportunity for Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the Clasico encounter

Rewritten Article:

Madrid is reeling after a humiliating Champions League drubbing at the hands of Arsenal, with Coach Ancelotti reportedly on his way out at the end of the season. But there's still a chance for redemption, as they aim to snatch La Liga from Barcelona's grasp and salvage their season.

The rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona is fierce, and whether winning La Liga feels like a triumph or a letdown depends on how their sworn enemies perform in European competitions. With Barcelona's ambitious quadruple bid crushed by Inter Milan, a La Liga title for Madrid would be seen as a solid achievement.

The Catalans lead by four points, but their campaign now hinges on the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, both of which they won by beating Real Madrid in the final last year. To secure these trophies, Madrid must conquer their eternal rivals in a crucial Clasico showdown.

"We've got a golden opportunity, and we must prepare properly for this almost decisive match," said Ancelotti.

Madrid had lost to Barcelona in all previous encounters this season: the two finals, the Santiago Bernabeu league clash in October, and the four games where Barcelona racked up 12 goals, conceding just four. However, the Copa del Rey final came the closest to producing a Madrid victory. The game went to extra time, and Ancelotti discovered a tactical setup that nearly delivered the win.

Operating with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe upfront, and Rodrygo Goes on the bench, Madrid found the elusive balance they lacked throughout the season. "Our last match was competitive, and we were almost victorious. We don't need to invent radical solutions tactically; we just need to play aggressively and with confidence," said Ancelotti.

Last weekend, Ancelotti handed 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler his first rare start against Celta Vigo, and he proved an energizing presence, much like the retired Toni Kroos had been for Madrid. Guler also shone as a sub in the Copa final and could start at the Olympic Stadium this weekend.

"At Madrid, you've got to be patient on the bench before you become an indisputable starter on this team. Arda has the potential to be a regular starter at Madrid," said Ancelotti.

Player to Watch: Alexander Sorloth

Atletico Madrid's towering Norwegian striker has been a key reserve this season, but Coach Diego Simeone is giving him more chances to shine from the start. He faces his former side Real Sociedad this weekend as the team's main striker.

Key Stats

  • After eight league matches without a win, relegation-threatened Leganes prepare for a crucial clash against Espanyol on Sunday.
  • Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona's prolific striker, has netted 25 goals, with Mbappé trailing by one.
  • Barcelona has scored an astounding 91 goals in La Liga this season – the highest of all teams who have failed to surpass the 70-goal mark.

FixturesFriday:Las Palmas vs Rayo Vallecano (7:00 PM)

Saturday:Valencia vs Getafe (12:00 PM), Celta Vigo vs Sevilla, Girona vs Villarreal, Mallorca vs Valladolid (both 3:15 PM), Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves (both 7:00 PM)

Sunday:Leganes vs Espanyol (12:00 PM), Barcelona vs Real Madrid (3:15 PM), Real Betis vs Osasuna (7:00 PM)

(All times in GMT)

© 2025 AFP

  1. Despite the underwhelming performance in the Champions League, Madrid still aims to classify for redemption by snatching the La Liga title from Barcelona's grasp.
  2. With Barcelona's quadruple bid crushed by Inter Milan, a La Liga title for Madrid would be seen as a solid achievement in European-leagues sports analysis.
  3. Operating with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe upfront, Madrid found the elusive balance they lacked throughout the season during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, coming very close to victory.
  4. In the upcoming Clasico showdown, a crucial match for Madrid, 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler could start, having proven an energizing presence in his limited opportunities.
  5. Alexander Sorloth, Atletico Madrid's towering Norwegian striker, has been given more chances to shine from the start and faces his former side Real Sociedad this weekend as the team's main striker.

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