3 biggest keys to victory for Real Madrid vs. Barcelona in El Clasico

Real Madrid will face Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night for the third Clasico of the 2021/22 season. Although Los Blancos have won each of their last five meetings against La Blaugrana, something feels different in the air leading up to this Clasico, as Xavi has Barcelona playing the most attractive football we have seen from them in years.

Of course, Los Merengues are still the heavy favorites. They are the clear leaders of LaLiga and are coming off some big offensive performances of their own, including a 3-1 victory at the Bernabeu over PSG in the Champions League.

Here are three keys to victory for Real Madrid this weekend in LaLiga when they take on their biggest rivals.

Real Madrid must be secure on the ball

Maybe this sounds obvious because it would be a key against pretty much any opponent, but it is ESPECIALLY vital for Real Madrid to avoid risks against Barcelona. Their rivals have become so dangerous lately because of their ability to press and win the ball in dangerous areas. Xavi knows how to counter quickly, making great use of veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is the kind of player Carlo Ancelotti won’t want to overlook.

Casemiro and Dani Carvajal are two great players for Real Madrid, but they are two players who can be prone to be bad mistakes in possession in their own half. Even Eder Militao has been caught out this season, such as when Los Blancos were upset 1-0 by Getafe early in the year. 

Los Blancos must lean on their main midfielders, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, as well as David Alaba at center back. They must be in control and avoid sloppy passes through the middle of the pitch or taking risky dribbles in their own final third.