MX23RW : Saturday, May 18 00:52:04| >> :120:7021:7021:
[monks data]
Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 11
Oct 28, 2023 at 3.15pm UK
Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Real Madrid logo

Barcelona
1 - 2
Real Madrid

Gundogan (6')
Lopez (17'), Torres (45+2')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Bellingham (68', 90+2')
Carvajal (61')

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico
© Reuters
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirms that Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico and hints at a left-back spot for Ferland Mendy.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico, with the midfielder available despite suffering an injury scare against Braga.

The England international limped off in the latter stages of his side's Champions League clash on Tuesday evening due to a problem with his groin.

However, Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference in Portugal that he was not fearful over the 20-year-old's fitness ahead of the La Liga clash with Barcelona.

Bellingham then said on Thursday that he would be fit to take part in his first-ever Clasico on Saturday.

Ancelotti was asked about the summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund during his press conference on Friday and confirmed that the in-form attacker would be in the side.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on October 24, 2023© Reuters

"Tomorrow, he will play. He is fine. He has recovered well. I don't think I have to explain to him about El Clasico everyone knows very well what it is. It is one of the most important matches in the world," he told reporters.

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla in the league last weekend, but they are top of the table, one point clear of third-placed Barcelona, and Ancelotti has opened up on the importance of the match.

"We are excited. It is a special atmosphere. It will be the first Clasico of the season, we have come well and are very excited to play a great match," he said.

"It is an important match, worth three points and it is very useful for the dynamic because it is very important for everyone. But the season is very long. We must be decisive. There are several teams competing as well like Atletico and Girona, and the league will be very competitive until the end.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on September 24, 2023© Reuters

"Barcelona are a well-organised team in every sense of the word. They have quality youngsters playing with them and we expect the same usual Barcelona as always."

Real Madrid will again be without the services of Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois for this weekend's contest due to long-term knee injuries, while Arda Guler and Dani Ceballos are major doubts.

Ancelotti hinted during his press conference that Ferland Mendy would start at left-back despite suggestions that Eduardo Camavinga would be used in that position.

"Mendy has an advantage because he rested on Tuesday... his (Camavinga's) main position is the pivot. He adapts as a full-back or central midfield, but his position is the pivot," the Italian added.

Real Madrid lead the overall head-to-head record against Barcelona, winning 103 of their 254 previous games in all competitions, with Barcelona boasting 100 victories.

ID:527539:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4858:No Data Analysis info

Click here for more stories about Dani Ceballos

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Game History

How you voted: Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Barcelona
31.9%
Draw
18.9%
Real Madrid
49.2%
254
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on October 24, 2023
Read Next:
Combined XI: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona36247574433179
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico36234967392873
5Athletic Bilbao361711858372162
6Real Sociedad361512949371257
7Real BetisBetis36141484843556
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia36139143740-348
10Getafe361013134151-1043
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla361011154750-341
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Las PalmasLas Palmas36108183246-1438
15Rayo Vallecano36814142944-1538
16Celta Vigo36910174254-1237
17Mallorca36715142941-1236
18CadizCadiz36614162549-2432
RGranada3649233770-3321
RAlmeria36211233572-3717


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!