The two rivals meet in a two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final tie, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side enjoying home advantage this evening. Real will then travel to the Camp Nou for a crucial LaLiga match before returning for the second leg.
Barcelona come into this game off the back of a shock defeat to Almeria, having been knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United.
For Real, confidence was high after dismantling Liverpool in Europe but they needed a late equaliser last time out against 10-man Atletico Madrid to earn a point. Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s Clasico.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Real Madrid vs Barcelona is scheduled for a 8pm GMT kick-off time on Thursday March 2, 2023.
The Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid will host the match.
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona
TV channel: The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 in the UK, with coverage starting at 7:45pm.
Live stream: For subscribers, the BT Sport app and website will offer a live stream service across laptops, games consoles, tablets and mobile devices.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated live match blog.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona team news
David Alaba is expected to be out for up to a month after picking up a hamstring injury in the win over Liverpool, meaning Nacho is set to continue at left-back with Ferland Mendy also unavailable. Rodrygo is back in training as question marks remain over his fitness.
Luka Modric’s yellow card against Atletico at the weekend means he will be suspended for Real’s next LaLiga match, but that does not apply for this Copa del Rey clash.
Barcelona will be without their star man Robert Lewandowski up front
/ Getty ImagesBarcelona confirmed on Monday that Robert Lewandowski has suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the Clasico in a huge blow to his side. Pedri and Ousmane Dembele both remain out with thigh problems.
Lewandowski’s absence could mean Ansu Fati starts through the middle, with Gavi and Raphinha either side of him, if he can shake off a knee problem.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona prediction
This could prove to be a good time to play Barcelona for Real, with Xavi’s side suffering European disappointment and then falling to just their second LaLiga defeat of the season over the weekend.
There are signs too that Real might be starting to hit their stride, and they look capable of making the most of home advantage and taking a narrow lead into the second leg.
Real Madrid to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Real Madrid wins: 101
Draws: 52
Barcelona wins: 98
Real Madrid vs Barcelona latest odds
Real Madrid to win tonight: 10/11
Draw: 12/5
Barcelona to win tonight: 3/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).