Evening all! Well, it does not get much bigger than this. El Clasico is upon us once again as Barcelona welcome Real Madrid in La Liga. Fixtures between these two sides are always special, but their proximity in the league table makes it even more important. Barca currently top the table on 65 points, one clear of Real Madrid, who have just stuttered in recent weeks. The time for talking is almost over. Be sure to remain with Sports Mole throughout the night and you will not miss a moment.

Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the confirmed team news.

TEAMS:

BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Mascherano, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Barcelona XI this evening. Sergio Busquets misses out through injury, but it otherwise arguably their strongest team. Busquets's absence means that Javier Mascherano starts in central midfield, with Jeremy Mathieu coming in at centre-back. Andres Iniesta also starts, in addition to the sensational front three of Luis Suarez, Neymar and a certain Lionel Messi.

For Real Madrid, James Rodriguez is still on the sidelines, but Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos both start following spells on the sidelines. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are the two full-backs, while the 'BBC' are in full force as Cristiano Ronaldo starts alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Some team!

Tonight will be the 170th league meeting between the two sides. Real Madrid have recorded 71 victories, while Barcelona have won 66 times, with the further 32 matches ending in draws. Of course, the pair have already played in the league at the Bernabeu this season and it was Real Madrid that came through 3-1 winners after Neymar had sent Barcelona into an early lead.

In terms of the recent league meetings at the Camp Nou, Barcelona were 2-1 winners last season, while the points were shared in a 2-2 draw during the 2012-13 season. The last time that Real Madrid won in the league at the Camp Nou was in April 2012, when Sami Khedira and Cristiano Ronaldo were both on the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory. That said, Barcelona have won seven of the last 13 Clasicos in the league.

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Barcelona, as mentioned, will enter this match top of the table on 65 points. They have won 21 of their 27 league games this season, drawing twice and losing four times. Their home form has been strong – winning 11 of their 13 matches, but they have lost to both Malaga and Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou in the league. It has been a fortress, but not quite unbreakable for opposing teams.

Barcelona are also now the leading scorers in the league, having netted 78 goals to Real Madrid's 77. Down the other end, Barcelona also boast the best defence, having only conceded 16 times. The Catalan outfit's back four have been much-criticised in recent seasons, but the numbers are there for all to see. They have conceded eight fewer goals than Real Madrid in the league and that is a fact.

Since returning after the winter break, Barcelona have won 17 of their 19 matches in all competitions, with that run of form seeing them move to the top of La Liga, advance into the final of the Copa del Rey and make the quarter-finals of the Champions League. On Wednesday, they recorded a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the second leg of their last-16 meeting. The scoreline sounds close, but it would have been four or five but for City's outstanding goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Last time out in the league, Barcelona recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Eibar to make it nine victories from their last 10 league games. Lionel Messi has already scored 20 times in 2015, while the Argentine is now the league's leading scorer on 32 – two clear of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be keen to make his mark tonight. It is again a meeting between the two best players in world football.

While Messi continues to impress, his partners in crime Neymar and Luis Suarez have both been in excellent form. The same cannot really be said for Real Madrid's front three, although Gareth Bale ended his eight-game scoring drought in the league with a double against Levante last weekend. There is just not the same chemistry with the 'BBC' in relation to Barcelona's attack.

Bale might have returned to scoring form, but Ronaldo has dropped off in recent league matches and the Portuguese was not too happy during his side's 2-0 win over Levante last weekend. Despite the doom and gloom surrounding Real Madrid, they are only one point behind Barcelona in the league and also booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

That said, Real Madrid's progression to the last eight in Europe was far from comfortable. They lost 4-3 at home to Schalke 04 in the second leg of their last-16 clash, but squeezed through on aggregate. That defeat followed a 1-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao in the league, meaning that Real Madrid have only won one of their last four games in all competitions. They are having a little wobble that is for certain.

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Real Madrid's home league form this season has been strong – winning 11 of their 13 matches and conceding just eight times in the process. They have also recorded 10 wins on the road, but have lost four times, including a 4-0 thumping at rivals Atletico Madrid. Earlier this season, they went on a thumping 22-game winning run, but they have lost five times already in 2015. Can they bounce back here?

I have already mentioned Messi and Ronaldo, but it is worth taking a closer look at their numbers. The former is the leading scorer in Clasico history having netted 21 times against Real Madrid, 14 of which have been in the league. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has 14 Clasico goals, but just six of those have come in the league. In matches such as this, it might depend on which one of these exceptional players comes to the forefront. The atmosphere is really building inside the sensational stadium.

While Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has his sights firmly on a treble this season, Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly under pressure. The Italian won the Champions League and Copa del Rey during his first season in charge, but football has a short memory. Ending this season trophy-less would place huge pressure on the experienced boss. It is a massive, massive night here.

PREDICTION! Have a look at my video preview here...

So, I have backed a draw in this one. Barcelona start as the favourites, but I just don't think that Real Madrid will get beat. A gap of four points isn't decisive, but it would hit their confidence hard.

Of course, Messi and Ronaldo are right to be mentioned, but there are so many other players this evening capable of deciding the game. Bale against Neymar, Benzema against Suarez. Big players for a big occasion. The atmosphere is absolutely stunning with little under five minutes until kickoff here.

The time for talking is almost over. It is El Clasico, Barcelona against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. These are the games that every professional footballer dreams of playing in. Let's hope for a cracker!

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Plenty of hugs in the tunnel, which is not surprising! International colleagues embrace. Now, however, it is time for all-out war. Barcelona versus Real Madrid. It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes underway here.

Ronaldo breaks down the left for the away side, but the Real Madrid attacker is chased down by Alves and the danger is cleared. I have a feeling that the referee could be quite a busy man in this one!

CHANCE! Well, this one hasn't taken long to get going! Iniesta breaks into the Real Madrid box before crossing towards Suarez, but Isco manages to clear behind for a corner. Iniesta appears to have twisted his angle here, which would be a real blow for the hosts at this early stage.

Iniesta returns! The resulting corner from Barcelona, meanwhile, came to nothing.

As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening five minutes. That will be the pattern this evening. No real surprises in the way that both teams have set up here. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be absolutely vital.

Real Madrid have attempted to threaten on the counter attack, but Barcelona are in control of proceedings at the moment. The home side are not really favouring either the left or the right, as they probe down both wings before the visitors manage to clear. The match is starting to settle here.

Half-chance for the away side as Bale slides in Benzema, who takes it first time across goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. A sighter, but not much more than that for Los Blancos.

Bale tries to run Alba down the left, but the Spaniard matches the Real Madrid attack for pace and the danger is cleared. Bale has a bite at Alba, but the referee comes across to settle matters immediately.

The referee is having none of the theatrics at the moment, which is excellent news for the game. Neymar tumbles outside the Real Madrid box, but the official says no thank you and waves play on. It will be interesting to see when the first yellow card arrives, because it will arrive be sure of that!

CROSSBAR! Oh my word! Sensational chance for the away side as Benzema lifts a cross into Ronaldo, who volleys towards the top corner, but his effort smashes the crossbar! So unlucky!

Isco comes close moments later, but his low curling effort also just misses Bravo's post.

Yet another opportunity for Real Madrid as Ramos meets a deep cross from Marcelo, but his header jus high of the crossbar. Well, three opportunities in quick succession for the visitors there!

Barcelona have enjoyed the possession since Real Madrid came close to scoring, but they have not threatened themselves since Iniesta made that excellent run in the opening three minutes.

I suspect that Real Madrid boss Ancelotti will be pretty pleased with what he has seen in the opening 18 minutes. Barcelona have shaded the possession, but the visitors have come closest to scoring. Messi has a half-chance after meeting a cross from Neymar, but his header was always wide of the post.

Both sides are just exchanging jabs at the moment, which is not much of a surprise. One thing is for certain, the opening 19 minutes have absolutely flown past. Where has that time gone? Incredible.

Barcelona have the chance to threaten from a free kick as Pepe fells Neymar in a wide area...

... GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid (Mathieu)

Barcelona break the deadlock with 19 minutes on the clock as Mathieu heads a Messi free kick into the bottom corner. Super header from the Frenchman! Some time to get your first league goal for the Catalan outfit. Not sure about some of the defending, but Mathieu wanted it more than anyone else.

Barcelona scoring from set pieces - what has the world come to! This is a real test for Real Madrid now as the home supporters drive their team forward. The first card could be on its way here.

BOOKING! Pepe (Real Madrid) is booked for kicking out at Suarez.

Neymar fancies this free kick...

... Messi steps ahead of Neymar to take, but the Argentine's effort is headed behind by Bale.

Half-chance for the home side as Alba meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. It is pretty much one-way traffic with 24 minutes on the clock.

Ronaldo delivers a wicked cross into the Barcelona box, but Mathieu is on hand to clear ahead of Bale. The away side continue to force the issue as they pass and probe in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to break through the Barca rear-guard. Los Blancos will want a quick response here.

Marcelo takes matters into his own hands for Real, but the left-back's goal-bound effort is blocked. The pressure continues, however, as Benzema runs Mathieu and wins a corner from the defender.

Nervy moment for Mathieu as the Barca centre-back comes close to heading into his own goal, but it goes behind for a corner, which the referee cuts short due to pushing inside the box. Super game.

BOOKING! Suarez (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Pepe.

Little over 15 minutes of the first period to play at the Camp Nou and Barca have their one-goal advantage. A poor pass from Pepe puts Real Madrid in trouble as Barca force a corner, but the danger is cleared as Real Madrid press forward. It is such an interesting tactical battle at the moment here.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to score a second as Suarez's miss-hit falls to Neymar, but the Brazilian places straight into the arms of Casillas. What a miss!

We are all level here as Modric finds Benzema, who produces a back-heel into Ronaldo and the Portuguese pokes his effort into the bottom corner. Barcelona should have been 2-0 ahead moments before, but now the score is 1-1. Football ay! Well, this game has certainly delivered thus far!

This one is spicing up now as Neymar clashes with Bale. However, the referee is quickly on the scene to calm matters, which is really helping the game. Little over 10 minutes of the first period to play.

Modric tries his luck from outside the box, but the midfielder's effort was always moving wide.

Rakitic is a shade fortunate to escape a booking after bringing Pepe to the ground with a strong challenge. You just get the feeling that Real Madrid are starting to get on top at the Camp Nou.

BOOKING! Ronaldo (Real Madrid) is booked for diving outside the Barca box.

BOOKING! Alba (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.

Super, super tackle from Pique as the Barcelona centre-back comes across to challenge Bale, who had raced into the box. Great run, but even better tackle from a player that is bang in form right now.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Bale has the ball in the back of the net for Real Madrid, but the flag is raised! Replays have shown that the Welshman was onside there. Big moment in this game!

UPDATE! Ronaldo was offside when he flicked the ball into Bale and therefore it was the correct decision. Bale was onside that is for certain. Little under five minutes of the first period to play.

SAVE! Ronaldo strikes a powerful effort towards the top corner, but Bravo is on hand to make a really good save. Real Madrid fancy a second goal in the latter stages of this half.

CHANCE! Another stunning chance for Real Madrid as the ball falls to Bale inside the Barcelona box, but his right-footed effort is wide of the post. Some chance that for the Welshman!

BOOKING! Ramos (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the scores level at 1-1. Barcelona took the lead after 19 minutes through Mathieu, but Ronaldo levelled for the visitors after 31 minutes. Since then, Real Madrid have had a couple of excellent chances, but it remains all square.

STATS! Barcelona have just shaded the possession with 55%, while they have had seven attempts - two of which have been on target. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have hit the target with two of their nine attempts. The card count currently stands at five - two for Barca and three for Real Madrid.

BENCH WATCH! Should Barcelona boss Luis Enrique wish to alter proceedings, he has options from the bench in the shape of Rafinha, Pedro and Xavi. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Javier Hernandez, Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Silva in reserve. Will there be any changes at the break?

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. More of the same from the first please, it was excellent. Real Madrid resume the action at the Camp Nou.

No changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-1 for the next 15, 20 minutes in Barcelona.

BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is booked for bringing Neymar to the ground.

CHANCE! The resulting free kick is delivered by Messi, but Ramos is on the scene to head clear. Real Madrid break down the other end with Benzema, who finds Marcelo before regaining the ball, but the Frenchman's effort is saved by Bravo. What a counter attack from the visitors there!

Real Madrid are in control of this match at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Pique just manages to poke clear ahead of Ronaldo. Barcelona attempt to break down the other end in a two-on-one situation, but Pepe comes across to clear ahead of Neymar.

BOOKING! Modric (Real Madrid) is booked for chopping Messi to the ground.

Messi delivers the resulting free kick towards Pique, but Ramos is on hand to head clear.

Barcelona have just managed to regain a foothold in the match over the last couple of minutes, but there is no question that Real Madrid have been the better team this evening. Still 1-1 in Barcelona.

It is against the run of play, but Barcelona regain the lead after 56 minutes as Suarez collects a super pass from Alves before finding the bottom corner. Brilliant finish from the Uruguay forward there!

Can Real Madrid respond again here? They are being made to regret some missed chances.

Half-chance for the away side as Ronaldo and Ramos both jump for the same ball from a corner, but Ronaldo's header was always over the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining here.

Messi attempts to slide a pass into Neymar, who had the legs on Carvajal, but Casillas is out to claim. Real Madrid are just a little sloppy at the moment as they continue to concede possession.

BOOKING! Mascherano (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Ronaldo.

Barcelona want Ronaldo to be sent off after he tugs the ear of Mascherano, but the referee is not interested. Not sure about the reaction from Mascherano there! It was comical! Game on here.

BOOKING! This is all getting a little silly at the moment as both sets of players crowd the referee every time a challenge is made. Isco (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Rakitic.

BOOKING! Iniesta (Barcelona) dives into a late challenge with Carvajal as this match continues to hot up. Is there going to be a red card? The referee might not have a choice!

This game is incredibly bitty at the moment as both teams continue to fly into late challenges. Neymar wants a free kick after going down under pressure from Carvajal, but the referee is not interested. That would have been a red for the Real Madrid right-back. Tempo has been raised!

CHANCE! Barcelona come close to a third as Neymar dances into the final third before attempting to place one into the top corner, but his effort clears the crossbar. Great run there.

Real Madrid gain a free kick some 45 yards from goal, but instead of shooting, Ronaldo lifts a cross into Ramos, who cannot make contact under pressure. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou and as it stands, Barcelona are moving four points clear at the top of the table.

BOOKING! Neymar has another half-chance after breaking into the final third, but his goal-bound effort is blocked. Moments later, Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Isco.

Barcelona have just slowed the game down in the last couple of minutes, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Real Madrid are preparing to make their first change here.

SUB! Raphael Varane replaces Pepe at centre-back for the visitors.

CLOSE! Messi comes close to scoring a third for the home side after curling one from outside the box, but his effort just misses the post. It looked to be finding the top corner there!

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Messi sets up Neymar inside the box, but the Brazilian fires wide of the near post. It has not been the Brazilian's night thus far!

SUB! Barca make their first change as Sergio Busquets replaces Rakitic.

Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou and in truth, Real Madrid do not really look like scoring at the moment. Barcelona are in control, but at 2-1, there is always a chance.

SAVE! Real Madrid come close to levelling as Benzema's strike hits Mascherano and Pique before angling towards the bottom corner, but Bravo is across to make a really good save.

SUB! Barca make their second change as Xavi replaces Iniesta.

SUB! Real Madrid also make their second change as Jese replaces Isco.

Both managers have one permitted change remaining with little under 10 minutes of football to play at the Camp Nou. The visitors have just started to pass and probe in the final third once again.

Ronaldo comes close to collecting a long ball from Ramos, but Bravo is out to claim as the clock continues to tick on in Barcelona. You just get the feeling that something is going to happen late on.

Half-chance for the home side as Suarez dances into the box before flashing one across goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Barcelona are preparing to make their final change here.

SUB! Barca's final change is Rafinha for Neymar.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Barcelona to score a third as Messi slides a wonderful ball into Alba, who pokes one towards the bottom corner, but Casillas makes a fine save.

Suarez lashes over the crossbar as we approach the final moments here.

SAVE! Casillas to the rescue once more as Messi is denied by the Spaniard!

SUB! Real Madrid make their third change as Lucas Silva replaces Modric.

Decent pressure from the away side in the last couple of minutes, but Barca continue to clear.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the Camp Nou.

Is there time for one more Real Madrid chance? Barcelona continue to clear their lines and they have plenty of players back. The home side are heading four points clear at the top of the table.

Barcelona have the chance to score a third on the counter, but Suarez cannot slide a pass into Rafinha, who had taken up a good position. Not long remaining as we approach full-time here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 2-1 winners courtesy of goals from Mathieu and Suarez. They are four points clear at the top now.

Thanks for joining Sports Mole for another night of wonderful Spanish action. It is not decisive in the race for the title, but Barcelona have won the battle this evening. Until next time!