Barcelona vs Real Madrid
La Liga
Saturday
28th October 2023
Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga gameweek 11 fixture between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Preview
Barcelona form analysis
Blaugrana’s recent La Liga results under Xavi demonstrate a team still heavily reliant on individual brilliance while lacking control in games. They started this period by twice coming from behind to beat Celta Vigo 3-2 thanks to a late Cancelo winner, despite Lewandowski’s double. Barca needed another late equalizer from new signing Fermín to draw 2-2 away at Mallorca after trailing twice again. A 1-0 home win over struggling Sevilla followed thanks to a Ramos own goal. But defensive issues resurfaced as they drew 2-2 away at Granada, requiring a late Roberto leveler after trailing 2-0. Most recently, Barcelona ground out a 1-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao through Guiu’s goal against the run of play.
Overall, Barcelona have lacked authority and fluency despite Xavi’s possession-based approach. Individually, Lewandowski has impressed upfront. But poor defensive displays like against Granada show Barcelona remain prone to lapses. If Xavi can make Barcelona more controlled and dominant in games, results should improve. But currently they lack cohesion and have needed moments of individual quality to get results.
Real Madrid form analysis
Real Madrid’s recent La Liga matches highlight a team still adapting to life after Benzema. They started this period with a disappointing 1-3 home loss to rivals Atletico, with only Kroos scoring in response to goals from Morata and Griezmann. However, Madrid responded with a solid 2-0 win at home over Las Palmas thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz and Joselu. They built on this with an impressive 0-3 away victory against Girona, with strikes from Joselu, Tchouameni and Bellingham. Madrid returned to scoring form by hammering Osasuna 4-0, powered by a Bellingham brace. But defensive issues resurfaced last time out as they drew 1-1 away at Sevilla, needing Carvajal to equalize late after conceding to an Alaba own goal.
Overall, Madrid have shown they can still dominate games, especially with the brilliant Bellingham controlling midfield. But Ancelotti is still working to add more solidity without Casemiro, with mixed results so far. If he can find the right balance, Madrid still have the quality to defend their La Liga title. But they need to improve defensive focus and translate possession into goals more consistently.
