The clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona resumes this Sunday evening in the classic for the third time this season. However, these matches have distinct features that define the characteristics and identity of the team that asserts its authority and ultimately emerges victorious. A report from "Kooora" highlights the key factors that could influence the scenario of the match between the two teams at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as part of the 29th round of La Liga.
**The Initiator**
Most of the time, the team that takes the initiative to score first has the upper hand in controlling the match and minimizing losses by the end. In recent years, whoever scores first in the classic tends to leave as the winner or at least with a draw. This advantage is not lost on Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, or his counterpart Xavi Hernández, coach of Barcelona, as seen in the recent Spanish Super Cup match when Real Madrid took the lead twice, and Barcelona equalized before the former secured the win. The same scenario repeated in the first round match at Camp Nou, where Real Madrid went ahead with one goal and enhanced it with another, while Barcelona narrowed the gap in stoppage time with a goal from Sergio Agüero.
**Benzema's Replacement**
Karim Benzema's absence poses a significant blow to the Madrid team due to the French player's experience and brilliance in the past two seasons. Benzema is also the top scorer in the classic among players from both teams, with 11 goals. Madrid's hopes rely on the form of Vinícius Júnior, Marco Asensio, and Rodrygo, or the impact that substitutes like Eden Hazard, Luka Jović, Mariano Díaz, and Gareth Bale could have.
**Barcelona's Anchor**
Sergio Busquets serves as the fulcrum of the Catalan team; he is the cornerstone upon which the entire team’s structure relies. If Busquets performs well both technically and physically, he will make the midfield system more fluid, whether accompanied by Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, or Gavi, or the young substitute Nico González. The role of Busquets has also evolved technically, as he has become an important asset in creating chances with his ability to penetrate opponents' defenses through precise passes or by advancing forward to shoot on goal.
**Modrić's Solutions**
The Croatian midfielder remains one of the key assets in Carlo Ancelotti's plans, both defensively and offensively. Luka Modrić is just as vital as Benzema for the royal team; he is essential in building attacks and scoring goals, apart from his exceptional long-range shooting. Defensively, the Croatian captain fulfills his roles excellently in covering the depth and exerts considerable effort despite his advancing age.
**Ousmane Dembélé**
Dembélé has notably developed mentally in recent times, despite the ongoing speculation about his next move and uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal, which expires at the end of the current season. Xavi Hernández has successfully managed Dembélé, opposing Barcelona's management in offering him for sale in the final days of the recent winter transfer window. Dembélé has turned into an effective weapon on the right flank, whether through his runs or precise crosses, and with Ferland Mendy's absence from Real Madrid's ranks, the French forward's condition could be an additional advantage for Xavi at the Bernabéu.
