MADRID, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The first 'Clasico' of the season between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is the highlight of the weekend in La Liga. Barcelona has the chance to increase its lead over its historic rival, while Jose Mourinho's side will look to confirm its recent improvement. Here are some things to look out for on Sunday night.
1: A feast of attacking talent
Both sides are packed with talent, with Lamine Yamal leading Barcelona's attack and Kylian Mbappe spearheading Real Madrid's forward line.
The match features two of the favorites for this season's Ballon d'Or, and both will be keen to impress. However, Yamal and Mbappe are far from the only attacking threats. Raphinha, Anthony Gordon, Pedri and Karim Adeyemi also give Barcelona plenty of options, while Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham will support Mbappe for Real Madrid, with youngsters Endrick and Carlos Espi among the substitutes.
With so much attacking talent on show, a goalless draw looks unlikely.
2: Contrasting tactics from Hansi Flick and Jose Mourinho
The game should also highlight the tactical differences between the two coaches. Barcelona's game is based on possession and moving the ball quickly to create and exploit space in the opposition defense, while Mourinho prefers his teams to remain compact before launching quick attacks.
Expect Barcelona to dominate possession and try to stretch Real Madrid down the flanks, with Yamal and either Adeyemi or Gordon operating on the wings, while Raphinha looks to press Real Madrid when it has the ball.
The good news for Barcelona is that Rodri is expected to start, although Real Madrid has the pace to exploit any mistakes.
3: Defensive concerns for Barcelona?
Barcelona goes into the game following an entertaining 4-2 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, in which the French side exploited the space between Barcelona's midfield and defense.
Flick will be without Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, while Jules Kounde is doubtful with an ankle injury, leaving Barcelona short of defensive options. Garcia is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, while Kounde's availability will depend on his recovery.
Unless Kounde recovers in time, Flick will have to field a makeshift defense. Although Rodri could provide additional protection in midfield, Diomande, Mbappe and Bellingham will fancy their chances of finding the net.
4: A difficult game to referee
Anyone who has followed the Spanish press recently will have seen the controversy surrounding the match, with Real Madrid's television channel criticizing refereeing decisions and raising questions about the treatment of the two clubs.
Real Madrid has also pursued the ongoing Negreira case, which concerns payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of Spain's Technical Committee of Referees.
All of this means the referee for Sunday's game will be under intense scrutiny, with every decision likely to be closely analyzed.
With Real Madrid potentially looking to use tactical fouls to disrupt Barcelona's passing game, the match could be difficult to officiate even under normal circumstances. On Sunday, the pressure will be greater than ever. ■
