FC Barcelona host arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday for what will be the first El Clasico of the 2023-24 season.
The Barcelona vs Real Madrid football match starts at 7:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and will be live streamed and live telecast in India.
El Clasicos, played between the two Spanish giants, are one of, if not the most bitterly-contested affairs in world football. Saturday’s fixture adds an added incentive for both Barcelona and Real Madrid as the winner of the match can go top of La Liga 2023-24 points table.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid currently hold pole position in La Liga with 25 points from 10 matches followed by Girona, who have the exact same tally but are second on the table on goal difference.
Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona side, who are on an unbeaten run this season, meanwhile, are third with 24 points.
With Girona set to face Celta Vigo earlier in the day, the road to the top of the La Liga table could be open for both Barca and Real before the El Clasico kicks off.
Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut will be the big focus in the Los Blancos’ camp. The English youngster has been sensational for Real since signing for them this summer and already has 11 goals and three assists for the Bernabeu side.
Barca, on the other hand, are dealing with an injury crisis. Xavi is expected to field a starting XI sans several of his first team regulars for the match. The likes of Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha are doubtful for Saturday’s match while midfield ace Pedri is out.
The silver lining for the Catalan side, however, will be the impending return of star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward was out of the team for the past few weeks with injury but is nearing a return.
La Masia graduate Marc Guiu, who scored on his club debut to give the Blaugrana a late 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Barca’s last La Liga outing, may also get a look in for the high-octane clash.
Where to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid El Clasico in La Liga 2023-24 live in India
Live streaming of the Barcelona vs Real Madrid El Clasico will be available on Jio Cinema. The Barcelona vs Real Madrid La Liga match will be live telecast on the Sports 18 and Sports 18 HD TV channels in India.