In Spain, the words El Clasico are usually a synonym for greatness. The game, which has been moved to an unfamiliar 4pm (7.30pm IST) kick-off slot to appease global television markets, is still probably the most-watched match in club football.
However, a look at the two sides now leaves one wondering what comes next for both.
Neither have been particularly impressive of late. Both lost their last La Liga games to lowly opponents, and some are questioning if this will be the lowest-quality Clasico seen for a long time.
Barca’s talisman Lionel Messi spent the entire close season trying to wriggle out of his contract at the Nou Camp, to no avail. However, it seems increasingly likely that this will be the Argentine forward’s final home game against Real in La Liga unless there is a major change of heart.
It does seem unfair that a player who has given so much joy to the club over the years would play out his final Clasico behind closed doors, against what might be the most fragile-looking Real side of his career for a less than vintage Barca.
That, however, appears the reality and the bigger question for Barca is perhaps what will they do when their captain finally leaves?
It is a reflection of where both clubs have allowed themselves to slip to. It is a far cry from the Pep Guardiola versus Jose Mourinho heyday of this fixture a decade ago.
Real, meanwhile, did not make their habitual splash in the transfer market this summer as they opted for a stadium refurbishment instead.
Their humiliating defeats by Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk mean that not even three-time Champions League-winning coach Zinedine Zidane is exempt from criticism.
Zidane on Friday confirmed that captain Sergio Ramos is set to return from injury.
Ramos went off at halftime against Cadiz last weekend and was also absent against Shakhtar. However, he took full part in training on Friday.
“He’s our captain, our leader. He’s over his injury, but obviously we won’t take any risks. He’ll be with us, you need players who are 100 per cent fit and Sergio is,” Zidane told a news conference.
Despite welcoming back Ramos, Real will be without a number of first team regulars for the trip to the Nou Camp, including Eden Hazard, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola and Martin Odegaard.
Zidane has come under intense scrutiny over the last week, with some reports suggesting his job might be at risk should they taste defeat in Catalonia. However, the Frenchman insisted he has the full backing of his players and the club’s board.
“I’ve won a lot with these players, they’ve won a lot for me and I’ll always be with them until the end, it’s they who battle, run and fight and I can feel their support,” he said.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman insisted the club does not have a problem with Antoine Griezmann, who was omitted from the starting line-up for the 5-1 hammering of Ferencvaros in the Champions League.
“He’s (Griezmann) got a chance of starting, just like any other player. It’s not good to discuss this every game,” the Dutchman told a news conference.
