BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – It will be an unforgettable day at the Camp Nou if Barcelona can defeat Real Madrid and sweep the Spanish league.
Barcelona host Madrid on Sunday, taking on their fiercest rivals and relishing the opportunity to celebrate their second successive La Liga title with a win or a draw.
Hansi Flick’s side can afford to fall as they lead Madrid by 11 points with four matches remaining, but Madrid are playing primarily for pride and to avoid the humiliation of watching Barcelona celebrate at their expense.
Only a victory for Madrid at Barcelona’s stadium can avoid the title going to the hosts.
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde said: “We are fully switched on and want to win because that is the best way to seal the league title.”
This will be the first Clasico in three years at the Camp Nou. Closed for renovation Until midway through this season.
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This Clasico could be Robert Lewandowski’s last time in a Barcelona shirt, so all eyes will be on his performance. The 37-year-old Polish striker has lost his place as Flick’s first choice, with his contract expiring this summer.
Raphinha returned to the team for the final game after missing several games due to injury, so he could be given a chance to play. Marcus Rashford and Fermin López are poised to join Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in the starting line-up, with a likely start on the bench still likely.
Madrid’s hopes of delaying Barcelona’s title bid and preserving their own fragile title bid will likely rest on Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian forward is ending the season on a high. He has scored four goals in his last three league games and 15 in all competitions.
With Madrid going into a second successive season without a major trophy, the whole team atmosphere will come under scrutiny after local media reported altercations and even a scuffle between players during training this week.
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Barcelona will be without teenage star Lamine Yamal injured leg muscles That forced him to miss the rest of the season.
Kylian Mbappé remains doubtful after being sidelined with injury hamstring problems. The Madrid striker returned to training with his teammates on Thursday, but only took part in part of the session.
Madrid will also be without defenders Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy, as well as midfielder Arda Güller, due to injury.
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