El Clasico preview: Real Madrid can't afford to lose titanic clash against Barcelona

A look ahead to El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu

(Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Real Madrid: The hosts can’t afford to lose this one. They sit second in the table, three points behind Barcelona. Should that gap stretch to six points it will present Madrid a massive challenge to overcome. They’ll need their front line of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema to be on fine form if they want to avoid that.

Best stat…

3: In the last seven meetings between the sides, at least three goals have been scored in each game. Expect to see more goals this time with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar set to take centre stage. The match will also see the return of Lionel Messi from the injury that has seen him sidelined for two months.

Remember when…

Barcelona came from 3-2 down to beat Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabeu back in March 2014. The Catalan side were given two penalties that day and Sergio Ramos saw red for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Player to watch…

Neymar: After 10 goals and six assists in his last seven games, Neymar is showing why Barcelona paid close to £50 million for him. The Brazilian winger will be hoping to continue his fine form and extend the current three point gap between the sides when they meet on Saturday.

Past three meetings…

Barcelona 2 (Mathieu, Suárez) Real Madrid 1 (Ronaldo)

Liga BBVA March 2015

Real Madrid 3 (Ronaldo, Pepe, Benzema) Barcelona 1 (Neymar)

Liga BBVA October 2014

Barcelona 1 (Bartra) Real Madrid 2 (Di María, Bale)

Copa del Rey April 2014

Form guide…

Real Madrid: WDWWWL

Barcelona: WWDWWW

Vital information…

Kick off: November 21st, 5.15pm

TV: Live on Sky Sports 2, Highlights Sky Sports 2, 11pm