"Alonso's Barca counterpart Hansi Flick may have to watch the game from the stands after being sent-off in the closing stages of last weekend's win over Girona. The club have appealed the one-game sanction with the Appeals Committee and are awaiting a verdict. In the white-hot atmosphere of a Clasico, being detached from your players is not an ideal scenario and it could prove a factor in a game in which the finer details are likely to matter."
"Both teams have rebounded nicely in recent weeks after demoralising defeats. Madrid were hammered 5-2 by city rivals Atletico but have recorded four successive wins in all competitions since. Barca have registered back-to-back victories since going down 4-1 at Sevilla on October 5. The Blaugrana were much too strong for Olympiacos in midweek, winning 6-1, and appear in a good place as they prepare to head to the capital."
The biggest club game in world football takes centre stage on Sunday when Real Madrid and Barcelona clash in the season's first El Clasico. Xabi Alonso's Madrid side head into the encounter with a two-point lead over Barcelona. Hansi Flick may face a one-game ban after being sent off against Girona and the club have appealed to the Appeals Committee. Absence from the touchline could influence a tight, high-pressure match. Madrid have four successive wins since losing 5-2 to Atletico. Barcelona have won consecutive matches and beat Olympiacos 6-1. Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are likely squad returns but not starters, Federico Valverde remains at right-back, Dean Huijsen should start after a calf issue, and Raphinha is Barcelona's main worry.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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