As Barcelona and Real Madrid meet for a preseason El Clásico, it’s a debut for Hansi Flick in the storied rivalry. Flick, joining Barcelona after they parted ways with Xavi Hernandez during the summer, now enters the biggest managerial job of his career with high expectations.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, Coming off a La Liga win last season, Real Madrid bolstered their squad by adding Kylian Mbappé, potentially widening the gap between them and their rivals. While Mbappé won’t feature in this match, his presence in the squad raises the stakes of this meeting, despite it being only a friendly.
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match, and more:
How to Watch and Odds Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 3
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey
- TV: None
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona +145; Draw +270; Real Madrid +145
Storylines
Barcelona
With most of their first-team squad available, it’s a great chance for Flick to test his team against top opposition. Facing Real Madrid, even in a friendly, offers valuable learning opportunities for younger players who might not get into the regular-season version of this rivalry.
Real Madrid
Unlike Barcelona vs. Real Madrid has large portions of their squad yet to start preseason training, but this match still allows the team to show their skills against stars like Robert Lewandowski. It’s a significant moment for young talents like Endrick, who, despite his age, has big expectations for Los Blancos. This may be the deepest side in the world, and El Clásico is a chance to showcase it.
Match Preview
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona Debut: Hansi Flick steps into one of the most high-pressure managerial roles in football. Taking over from Xavi Hernandez, who had a tumultuous tenure, Flick is expected to bring stability and success. His debut in El Clásico will be scrutinized heavily, even if it’s a preseason match. Flick’s tactical acumen and ability to integrate young talent will be pivotal for Barcelona’s success this season.
Real Madrid’s New Star: Kylian Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid has sent shockwaves through the football world. Although he won’t play in this friendly, his signing is a statement of intent from Real Madrid. The team’s performance in this match will give fans a glimpse of how they might integrate Mbappé into an already star-studded lineup. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will likely use this match to experiment with tactics and player combinations ahead of the competitive season.
Key Players to Watch
Barcelona
- Robert Lewandowski: The prolific striker will be key to Barcelona’s attack. His experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial in breaking down Real Madrid’s defense.
- Pedri and Gavi: The young midfield duo will be central to Barcelona’s play. Their ability to control the game and link up play will be tested against Real Madrid’s midfield.
Real Madrid
- Endrick: The young prodigy has immense potential and will look to impress in this high-profile fixture. His development is one of the key storylines for Real Madrid this season.
- Karim Benzema: The veteran forward remains a vital part of Real Madrid’s attack. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be important, especially with Mbappé not featuring in this match.
Tactical Analysis
Barcelona’s Approach: Flick is known for his high-pressing style and quick transitions. Barcelona is expected to play aggressively, pressing Real Madrid high up the pitch and looking to dominate possession. The full-backs will play a crucial role in providing width and supporting the attack.
Real Madrid’s Strategy: Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, might adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on solid defense and quick counter-attacks. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Real Madrid looking to exploit spaces left by Barcelona’s high press.