La Liga leaders Real Madrid play host to archrivals Barcelona on Sunday as Carlo Ancelotti’s side aims to take another step closer to the Spanish league title in 2022.
Los Blancos have built up a 10-point lead on second-place Sevilla ahead of the final 10 games of the campaign with Barcelona (trailing by 15 points), and defending champions Atletico Madrid (12 points back), both struggling to keep pace.
However, form can often be thrown out the window when it comes to the biggest game in Spanish football, and it is a chance for the visiting Blaugrana to test the progress made under Xavi in 2022 after a difficult start to the season.
Both sides head into this game on the back of four wins in their last five games in domestic action and both also advanced to the quarterfinals of their respective European cup tournaments. However, the Catalan giants have not won at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu since 2019.
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How to watch Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
- Date: Sunday, March 20
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- USA streaming: ESPN+
- Canada streaming: TSN.ca, TSN app
The match from the Estadio Bernabeu will be streamed exclusively in the USA on ESPN+ and in Canada on TSN.ca.
ESPN+ will kick off its coverage in the USA one hour prior to kickoff with pregame shows in both English (special edition of ESPNFC) and in Spanish (special edition of Fuera de Juego).
The U.S. English broadcast will feature Ian Darke, former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman, and ex-La Liga and U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller. The Spanish-language broadcast will feature former Real Madrid top scorer Hugo Sanchez and Pablo Zabaleta.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona projected lineups
Ancelotti has stuck with a consistent starting XI for the majority of his first season back in Madrid, but he will have to do without talisman and leading scorer Karim Benzema, who is out with a calf injury. Starting left back Ferland Mendy is also out with veteran Marcelo expected to stand in.
Real Madrid projected lineup (4-3-3): Courtois (GK) — Mendy, Alaba, Militao, Carvajal — Kroos, Casemiro, Modric — Vini Jr, Benzema, Asensio
Barcelona manager Xavi is expected to recall Dani Alves to replace injured American Sergino Dest at right back. The injury list includes Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto, and Ansu Fati. But midfield star Nico Gonzalez is back following suspension with Adama Traore and Ronald Araujo also pushing for starting returns.
Barcelona projected lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen — Alba, Pique, Araujo, Alves — De Jong, Busquets, Pedri — Aubameyang, Torres, Traore
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Real Madrid vs. Barcelona betting odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings (USA) & Sports Interaction (Canada)
Real Madrid have their eyes on the prize of reclaiming the La Liga title in the coming months with Barcelona strongly placed to clinch a Champions League qualification spot if they can finish in the top four.
A title win for Ancelotti is almost a foregone conclusion at this stage of the campaign but Xavi will want to set a marker down for his plans in 2022-23 with a positive result in Madrid.
The odds project an even matchup with goals (over 2.5 goals total is priced at -155 / 1.65). The fact that Barcelona have their starting attackers available could give them the edge over a Real Madrid side without its best striker.
Sports Interaction (Canada) odds:
DraftKings (USA) odds:
- Moneyline: Real Madrid +130 / Draw +250 / Barcelona +210
- Spread: Real Madrid -0.5 (+120) / Barcelona +0.5 (-135)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over -155 / Under +125
- Both Teams to Score: Yes -195 / No +150
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