As Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to clash in a preseason El Clasico, it marks the first matchup for Hansi Flick, who recently took over at Barcelona after the departure of Xavi Hernandez. Flick faces high hopes as he steps into this significant managerial role.
Real Madrid, coming off a successful La Liga campaign last season, has strengthened their lineup with the addition of Kylian Mbappe, potentially widening the competitive gap with Barcelona. Although Mbappe will not participate in this friendly, his inclusion in the team raises the stakes for the encounter.
The match will take place on Saturday, August 3, at 7 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans can watch the game via ESPN+.
Storylines for both teams highlight their contrasting situations. Barcelona has most of their first-team players available, providing Flick an opportunity to evaluate his squad against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid. This friendly offers a valuable experience, particularly for younger players who may not see action in the competitive season.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s squad has many members still beginning their preseason training. Nonetheless, this matchup allows the team to demonstrate their talent against renowned players like Robert Lewandowski. Youngster Endrick faces substantial expectations from the club, and this game represents a chance for the squad to showcase their depth.
While the result may not be pivotal in the preseason context, the rivalry is intense, and both teams will be keen to avoid losing. The prediction suggests a close game, with Barcelona possibly losing 1-2 to Real Madrid.