Real Madrid will kickstart their preseason tour with an El Classico as they are scheduled to take on Barcelona at Allegiant Stadium.
Madrid are yet to participate in a preseason game following their Champions League triumph over Liverpool last season. A goal from Vinicius Junior was enough to register a victory over the Premier League outfit as the Spanish giants sealed a La Liga and Champions League double last season.
Madrid proved their title credentials last season and have significantly increased their strength with the addition of Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger to their ranks.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappe was much anticipated but the French youngster went on to sign a new lucrative contract with Paris Saint Germain to extend his stay further at the club.
Despite the departure of Gareth Bale from Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid haven’t brought attacking reinforcements and they are not likely to bring any this summer as it stands.
Carlo Ancelotti seems to be pretty happy with the way his squad has shaped and the veteran Italian will once again try to get the better of Barcelona next season in the Spanish top tier.
On the contrary, their archrivals have had the busiest transfer window in the last few years. The Catalan giants have already announced the arrival of Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Franck Kessia and Robert Lewandowski and a few more names could arrive at the Camp Nou.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has been heavily linked with a move while Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are also on the shortlist.
Barcelona’s financial situation has improved a bit as they generated funds by selling a part of their media rights to a US based fund. They still need to trim their wage bill in a bid to accommodate more signings in their squad.
Frenkie de Jong has been the subject of interest from Manchester United but the Dutch midfielder reportedly doesn’t want to leave the Spanish club as of now.
Barcelona have prioritised the departure of a number of players which could further help them in stabilising their financial situation. The prospect of having a new attack led by Lewandowski could tempt the Catalans to commence the new season with superior confidence.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Date: 24th August 2022
Time: 8:30 AM IST
Venue: Allegiant Stadium
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Team News
Real Madrid
Both the new signings are poised to make their debut for Real Madrid in this match. David Alaba could shift to the left side of the defence and Tchouameni will find his place in the middle of the pitch.
Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski might not be in the starting lineup but he will be introduced in the match while Christensen could lead the defence against the Spanish side.
Real Madrid Possible Lineup
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni, Casemiro, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
Barcelona possible Lineup
Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Christensen, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Raphinha, Aubameyang, F Torres
Predictions
Both teams will be cautious in their approach and this tie could see a very lesser amount of goals.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Fantasy XI NO. 1
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Fantasy XI NO. 2
