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Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 11
Oct 28, 2023 at 3.15pm UK
Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Real Madrid logo

Barcelona
1 - 2
Real Madrid

Gundogan (6')
Lopez (17'), Torres (45+2')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Bellingham (68', 90+2')
Carvajal (61')

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico
© Reuters
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirms that Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico and hints at a left-back spot for Ferland Mendy.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham will start El Clasico, with the midfielder available despite suffering an injury scare against Braga.

The England international limped off in the latter stages of his side's Champions League clash on Tuesday evening due to a problem with his groin.

However, Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference in Portugal that he was not fearful over the 20-year-old's fitness ahead of the La Liga clash with Barcelona.

Bellingham then said on Thursday that he would be fit to take part in his first-ever Clasico on Saturday.

Ancelotti was asked about the summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund during his press conference on Friday and confirmed that the in-form attacker would be in the side.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on October 24, 2023© Reuters

"Tomorrow, he will play. He is fine. He has recovered well. I don't think I have to explain to him about El Clasico everyone knows very well what it is. It is one of the most important matches in the world," he told reporters.

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla in the league last weekend, but they are top of the table, one point clear of third-placed Barcelona, and Ancelotti has opened up on the importance of the match.

"We are excited. It is a special atmosphere. It will be the first Clasico of the season, we have come well and are very excited to play a great match," he said.

"It is an important match, worth three points and it is very useful for the dynamic because it is very important for everyone. But the season is very long. We must be decisive. There are several teams competing as well like Atletico and Girona, and the league will be very competitive until the end.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on September 24, 2023© Reuters

"Barcelona are a well-organised team in every sense of the word. They have quality youngsters playing with them and we expect the same usual Barcelona as always."

Real Madrid will again be without the services of Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois for this weekend's contest due to long-term knee injuries, while Arda Guler and Dani Ceballos are major doubts.

Ancelotti hinted during his press conference that Ferland Mendy would start at left-back despite suggestions that Eduardo Camavinga would be used in that position.

"Mendy has an advantage because he rested on Tuesday... his (Camavinga's) main position is the pivot. He adapts as a full-back or central midfield, but his position is the pivot," the Italian added.

Real Madrid lead the overall head-to-head record against Barcelona, winning 103 of their 254 previous games in all competitions, with Barcelona boasting 100 victories.

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Written by
Matt Law
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Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on October 24, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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