Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Combined XI as 3 superstar forwards miss out

Real Madrid CF v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga EA Sports
Real Madrid CF v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga EA Sports | Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Real Madrid face Barcelona in an attempt to get back to winning ways in the Clasico for the first time all season.

Real Madrid have too much to worry about in terms of injuries at the moment. There are also a few Castilla players who have made the squad for the game against Real Madrid's arch rivals on Sunday afternoon, and although Carlo Ancelotti does not seem to trust them unless completely necessary, it will be nice to see a few new faces on the bench.

Barcelona have a lot of really good players as well, and they will all be keen to get back to winning ways after losing the UEFA Champions League semi-final to Inter on Tuesday.

Even though they have a few players missing, Barcelona's squad is easily one of the best in Europe, and cannot be taken lightly.

Here is the combined lineup for the match:

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Combined XI for the biggest Clasico of the season

GK Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid's most consistent player this season - an absolute no-brainer to include him in every lineup possible. None of Barcelona's elite goalkeepers come close to Courtois, who keeps pushing the boundaries in every single season

RB Lucas Vazquez

Vazquez has not had that many good performances this season, but Real Madrid do not have a choice but to start him at right-back. Eric Garcia, on the other hand, is not an impressive defender either, despite his brilliant goal against Inter. So it's tough to pick between two bad players. I'm backing one of our own.

CB Inigo Martinez

It was a tough pick between him and Pau Cubarsi, but Martinez has been in much better form than the youngster, and his experience will be important for Barcelona.

CB Raul Asencio

Another no-brainer in defense. Asencio has been Real Madrid's best defender this season, and especially in times like this, it is imperative to start a player of his calibre.

LB Gerard Martin

Fran Garcia keeps falling down the pecking order for Ancelotti and Real Madrid - especially now that Real Madrid are actually looking for another left-back - but he will keep his place in the team, mainly because no one else from the first team is there. Ancelotti has called Yusi up as well, and hopefully he is able to get some minutes.

CM Fede Valverde

Real Madrid's captain in disguise. Valverde has been phenomenal all year, and he will keep his place in the starting lineup. No reason for him to not start, especially with so many absentees already.

CM Pedri

Pedri has been exceptional, and even though Guler has impressed so much that many believe Real Madrid do not even need a Luka Modric replacement anymore, the Spaniard still clears most players in his position.

CM Jude Bellingham

Bellingham on his day is Real Madrid's most important player, and even though Barcelona have a few really good midfielders, this is another no-brainer. Bellingham is too good.

RW Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is a no-brainer here. He has been one of the best players in the world, and there is not a lot Real Madrid fans can argue with here. No space for Rodrygo.

CF Kylian Mbappe

No one will be debating this. Mbappe was instrumental in the Clasico final, and now, he will have to be like that once again if there is any hope for Real Madrid to win the league. Robert Lewandowski is back, but he has not played enough games to get his form back.

LW Raphinha

Vinicius Jr will start once again as he tries to find his best form to end the season on a high note, but Raphinha has been better than him this season, and he has to make the nod over the Brazilian superstar.


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