In a historic preseason El Clasico matchup between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the spotlight is on new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick as he makes his debut in this storied rivalry. With Real Madrid’s recent addition of Kylian Mbappe, the stakes are raised even higher for this friendly match despite Mbappe not featuring. Here are the key storylines to watch out for and how you can catch the action:
Barcelona will have the majority of their first-team squad available, providing Flick with an opportunity to test his squad against tough opposition. Facing Real Madrid, even in a friendly, offers invaluable learning opportunities for younger players who may not get a chance in the regular season’s edition of this rivalry match. On the other hand, Real Madrid still has key players yet to start preseason training, but it’s an excellent chance for the squad to showcase their abilities against the likes of Robert Lewandowski. This match is crucial for young talent like Endrick, who has high expectations at Los Blancos.
Despite the result not being the primary focus in a friendly, the intensity of a rivalry match means both Barcelona and Real Madrid will aim for victory. In our prediction, we foresee Real Madrid edging out Barcelona with a 2-1 win.
If you’re looking to catch the action, the match will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. While the game won’t be televised, you can stream it live on ESPN+. In terms of odds, Barcelona is at +145, a draw sits at +270, and Real Madrid is also at +145.
As the anticipation builds for this preseason encounter between two of the biggest clubs in world football, fans can expect an exciting match filled with talent, skill, and fierce competition. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beginning of a new chapter in the legendary El Clasico rivalry.
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