It did not take lengthy for 2024 to see its first El Clasico as Actual Madrid and Barcelona meet but once more for the Spanish Tremendous Cup on Sunday. It was Barcelona that acquired the higher of Actual Madrid final season en path to profitable La Liga however this season Los Blancos enter the match in stronger type. Already seven factors forward of Barcelona within the league and first on objective distinction, a win on this match could possibly be sufficient to propel Actual Madrid to the title in an analogous strategy to Barcelona final season, giving them critical momentum. Xavi has once more relied on children this season however with Barcelona’s protection now not on a historic tempo that noticed them solely concede 20 objectives in 38 matches final season, outcomes have not been as much as par.

Within the first Clasico of the calendar 12 months, this is what to look out for:

Can Antonio Rudiger get beneath Barcelona’s pores and skin?

With all of Actual Madrid’s defensive accidents, the one fixed of the backline has been the presence of Antonio Rudiger. Scoring a objective and an personal objective within the Spanish Tremendous Cup semifinal versus Atletico Madrid, Rudiger is a participant who likes to try to get into the top of his opponent and he’ll attempt Sunday. Robert Lewandowski hasn’t been capable of attain his lofty requirements this season and Raphinha can also be injured as all of the strain can be on Barcelona’s assault. Can they keep composure towards the German?

Barcelona should deal with the strain

Regardless of profitable 4 straight matches in all competitions, Barcelona’s season feels prefer it’s hanging on by a thread. They’ve wanted late objectives to win these matches and conceded 5 objectives in these victories. Dealing with a Actual Madrid aspect that has solely conceded 11 objectives in La Liga this season, it might be the form of assertion victory that may assist impress Barcelona to shut the hole for the title. Even when they cannot catch Actual Madrid and Girona, Barca wants type on their aspect for a Champions League spherical of 16 conflict with Napoli in February.

Will Rodrygo present up?

It has been the Jude Bellingham present for Actual Madrid however as of late it has been Rodrygo making waves. In his final 10 league matches, Rodrygo has six objectives and three assists to tempo the Actual Madrid assault. What has been spectacular about his performances is that it hasn’t mattered who’s alongside him within the assault. Typically it is Vinicius Junior, generally Bellingham is behind him in help, and others it might be Joselu or Brahim Diaz. It is spectacular flexibility that the Brazilian has proven this season and whereas he might not all the time be a constant performer, when he is on a sizzling streak, there are few attackers on the earth who’re higher.

The best way to watch and odds

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 14 | Time: 2 p.m. ET
• Location: Al-Awwal Park — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Watch: ABC | Dwell Stream: Fubo (attempt totally free)
• Odds: Actual +125; Draw: +250; Barca +190