The first Clasico of the year arrives with the standard amount of tension and intrigue. These games are always pivotal — with the victor taking something of an upper hand in La Liga's title race.
And this one will be much the same. Madrid lead Barcelona by one point atop the table, but the Blaugrana are yet to be beaten this year. Both teams are undeniably impactful going forward, but both have some defensive weaknesses that can certainly be exploited. For the first time in a while, these are two glaringly imperfect teams facing off.
For that reason, it could be a contest that comes down to individual moments of class. Barcelona, for example, will have to fear Jude Bellingham. Meanwhile, Madrid must prepare for the in-form Lamine Yamal. But it's not just those two who can have the capacity to change the game. Rather, there are interesting contests on the turf and in the two dugouts that should make for a fascinating encounter.
GOAL takes a look at some of the battles most likely to sway the first Clasico of the year...