As Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to face off in a preseason El Clasico, Hansi Flick will make his debut in this iconic rivalry. After Barcelona parted ways with Xavi Hernandez during the summer, Flick takes on one of the most significant managerial roles of his career, facing high expectations.
Following their successful campaign in which they won La Liga last season, Real Madrid has strengthened their squad by signing Kylian Mbappe, potentially widening the competitive gap between the two teams. Although Mbappe will not participate in this friendly match, his inclusion in the squad elevates the stakes for this encounter.
Here are the details on how to watch the match and what to expect:
Date: Saturday, August 3 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: None | Live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Barcelona +145; Draw +270; Real Madrid +145
Key Storylines:
Barcelona: With most of their first-team players available, Flick has a valuable opportunity to assess his squad against a formidable opponent. Competing against Real Madrid, even in a friendly, provides essential learning experiences for younger players who may not frequently participate in the regular-season matches of this rivalry.
Real Madrid: In contrast to Barcelona, Real Madrid’s key players are just beginning their preseason training, but this match gives them a chance to demonstrate their capabilities against stars like Robert Lewandowski. It’s particularly crucial for young talent Endrick, who carries significant expectations despite his age. This could be one of the most talented squads in the world and El Clasico offers a perfect platform to showcase their skills.
Prediction:
While the final score may not hold much weight in the preseason, neither team will take the match lightly. Expect a closely contested battle, with a prediction of Barcelona 1, Real Madrid 2.