Real Madrid’s Benzema In Ballon d’Or Form Ahead of Tonight’s El-Clasico Clash Against Barcelona

Despite dealing with minor injuries and the inevitable fatigue of a 35-year-old athlete, Benzema’s recent resurgence serves as a warning sign for Barcelona.

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Real Madrid’s lack of a back-up striker has put additional pressure on Benzema to play in games despite not being fully fit.

This season, he’s been dealing with a hamstring problem, a hip flexor pull, and general fatigue. While these issues are understandable given his age, they raise concerns about his long-term performance.

Despite Barcelona’s narrow first-leg victory, they only managed to win through an own goal, with Real Madrid controlling 65% of the possession.

Real Madrid’s coach, Ancelotti, believes that if they play as they did in the first leg, they’ll have a better chance of winning at Camp Nou.

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Barcelona faced a half-fit Benzema in their previous encounter, but now they’ll face a well-rested and in-form Ballon d’Or winner in the upcoming match.

This is a crucial moment for Benzema to prove he can still perform at the highest level, and it’s a daunting prospect for Barcelona’s defense.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid lineups: Confirmed team news, predicted XIs, injury latest for El Clasico today

The Blaugrana claimed a 1-0 win in the semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu, meaning Los Blancos have little choice but to be aggressive when the rivals reconvene at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.

Real secured a convincing 6-0 win over Valladolid in their weekend warm-up as Ancelotti deployed a 4-2-3-1 featuring Marco Asensio and Vinicius Jr on the flanks, and Rodrygo in behind Karim Benzema.

A similar approach against Barcelona is certainly feasible although Ancelotti will likely want to find space for Luka Modric and Federico Valverde following their rests last time out.

When asked about the midfield pair on Tuesday, Ancelotti said: “Kroos and Modric are untouchable but that doesn’t mean they’re going to play tomorrow. There are many untouchables but then you have to choose an eleven. I have to think about the resources I have on the bench. Starting isn’t the most important thing.”

Antonio Rudiger is expected to return from injury, creating competition in defence with Ferland Mendy and the fit-again David Alaba, while Eduardo Camavinga is expected to vacate the left-back spot. Lucas Vazquez should continue ahead of Dani Carvajal on the right.

Barcelona are without the injured Pedri, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele.

Xavi elevated Eric Garcia to a midfield role as his side downed Elche on Saturday but Sergio Busquets will likely return for El Clasico.

Raphinha is also back from a ban, putting Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati under pressure despite their goalscoring performances in that 4-0 win.

Predicted lineups

Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Alonso, Balde; Roberto, Busquets, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius; Benzema.