Vazquez, Modric start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Barcelona | OneFootball

The final El Clasico of the 2024/25 season is no ordinary game. With the La Liga title on the line, it is all or nothing.

Barcelona could deal a decisive blow in the race, while Real Madrid aim to close the gap and apply real pressure at the top. Both teams head into the clash with very different circumstances.

Hansi Flick’s side are coming off a painful Champions League exit that went into extra time, leaving them physically and mentally drained. In contrast, Carlo Ancelotti has had a full week to prepare and rest his squad ahead of this must-win game.

Despite having six players ruled out through injury, the Madrid boss has had uninterrupted training sessions and enough time to polish his tactics.

That alone gives Los Blancos a slight edge going into a fixture that could define their season. With that in mind, here’s how Real Madrid are expected to line up against Barcelona today.

Defence

Asencio will be key to Real Madrid’s defence. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois will start in goal without question. The Belgian remains Madrid’s first-choice keeper and brings calm in high-pressure matches like this one.

The defence, however, is where things are tricky. Injuries have left Ancelotti with very limited options. Lucas Vazquez will have to continue at right-back, with Fran Garcia on the left.

In central defence, Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni will form the pairing. Asencio, despite battling illness last week, is expected to push through again.

With no other alternatives, Tchouameni has now become a makeshift centre-back until the end of the season. It is not ideal, but Madrid must make do with what they have.

Midfield

Luka Modric could replace Dani Ceballos. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

In midfield, Federico Valverde will anchor the team, offering strength and mobility in the centre of the pitch. Arda Guler, who has impressed recently, is likely to make his first-ever El Clasico start.

His sharpness on the ball and vision could be vital in breaking Barcelona’s lines.The big decision for Ancelotti lies between Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric.

While Ceballos brings intensity and fresh legs, he hasn’t quite looked sharp since coming back from injury.

Given the occasion and the need for experience, Modric is expected to get the nod. Jude Bellingham will complete the midfield diamond, operating as the most advanced player and tasked with connecting midfield and attack.

Attack

Mbappe and Vinicius will lead the attack. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Up front, there is no doubt about who leads the line. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. are the pair most likely to trouble Barça’s defence.

The two forwards have scored a combined 15 goals against Barcelona – eight for Mbappe and seven for Vinicius. Their pace, directness, and ability to stretch the game could be Real Madrid’s biggest weapon.

This attacking duo also means Rodrygo will have to settle for a place on the bench. The Brazilian has been valuable this season, but with Mbappe and Vinicius in top form, there is simply no room for him in the starting XI this time.

Real Madrid will enter this Clasico knowing exactly what is at stake. A win could change everything in the title race, while a loss would make things extremely difficult.

With Courtois in goal, a patched-up defence, a strong midfield, and a lethal strike force, Los Blancos will go all out at Montjuic to pull themselves back into the fight.