El Clasico showdown: Real Madrid face depleted Barcelona squad

The stage is set for an electrifying La Liga encounter that promises thrills and spills on Saturday at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.

Real Madrid currently reign supreme at the pinnacle of the La Liga table one point ahead of the Catalan giants. However, their once-commanding lead has dwindled by two points following a draw against Sevilla last weekend. On the other side of the pitch, Barcelona managed to scrape past Athletic Club and then Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday but are now grappling with a significant absence of key players.

Xavi Hernandez, the manager of Barcelona, will be without the services of Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha, although there's a glimmer of hope they may be available for the El Clasico showdown. The pressing concern, however, is whether they can be match-fit, raising questions about their effectiveness in the crucial fixture.

Further compounding Barcelona's woes, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, and Sergi Roberto have already been ruled out of contention for the clash against the formidable Los Blancos.

WATCH: Premier League highlights on SABC Sport

In the face of this adversity, Xavi is faced with a daunting task as he ponders his tactical choices. Nevertheless, Xavi backs Barcelona to approach the Clasico with unwavering confidence. Speaking to Diario AS, Xavi boldly declared, "We are going into the Clasico '100%'."

Xavi expressed his strategic intent for the game, emphasizing the importance of ball possession, "What we are looking for on Saturday is to dominate the game with the ball. It is essential not to lose it, to be well positioned because Madrid can destroy you. It's essential to attack and defend well." This statement underlines his awareness of the threat posed by the formidable Real Madrid squad.

Xavi's confidence in controlling the game with possession, while guarding against any lapses, was evident as he noted, "We will seek to dominate the game with the ball, and on Saturday it is essential not to lose balls and be well positioned, because Madrid can destroy you."

On the flip side, Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, boasts a formidable line-up featuring Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes. The Merengues are poised to exploit any opportunities to counter-attack effectively.

Moreover, Ancelotti's array of midfield options, comprising Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric offers a compelling advantage in the possession game when compared to Xavi's limited choices. This sets the stage for a fascinating tactical duel within the Clasico.

As the date of the showdown draws near, football enthusiasts around the globe await an exhilarating clash between these two Spanish giants. Real Madrid aim to maintain their position atop the La Liga standings, while Barcelona endeavour to defy the odds and secure a statement victory despite their depleted squad.

In a fixture renowned for its high stakes and historic rivalries, the first El Clasico of the season promises to be a spectacle.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola praises Erling Haaland's brace in Champions League win