Written by Roger Gonzalez at CBSSports.com
It’s almost El Clasico time. Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo, giants against giants. Arguably the best derby in world soccer is set for this Saturday with plenty on the line. Here’s everything you need to know.
Time: April 2, 2:30 pm ET
TV: beIN Sports USA and beIN Sports in Spanish (stream via beIN Sports app)
What’s at stake: A chance for Barcelona to stretch its lead at the top of La Liga, and the last chance for Real Madrid to get back into the title fight. Barca is currently in first place in the league with 76 points. Atletico Madrid is second with 67, and Real Madrid is third with 66. A win and Real will be just seven points back with seven matches to go. A loss, and it is bye-bye to the league crown for yet another year. It’s Barca’s title to win, and beating its rival will be a big boost to its already fine title chances.
Barcelona’s best player: It’s Messi, who you probably heard of. He tends to step up to the plate and deliver in every game, but especially in El Clasico. Nobody has scored more goals in this match than the Argentine, who has 21.
Real Madrid’s best player: It’s easily Ronaldo. Ronaldo is tied for third among all time goal scorers in El Clasico with 15. If he scores once, he will pull into third by himself, passing Real Madrid legend Raul.
Barca’s best player not named Messi: It’s a toss up between Luis Suarez and Neymar, but we will go with the Uruguayan striker based on goal scoring. The former Liverpool man has played in 43 matches this year, scoring 43 goals. They’ve been from from his head, both feet, simple, some complex. He does it all, and he is the top pure striker in world soccer.
Real Madrid’s best player not named Ronaldo: That’s a tough one, and many would go with Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema, but I think it’s Luca Modric. The former Tottenham star is so creative on the ball and is the engine in Real Madrid’s midfield. If he gets enough of the ball in the final attacking third, watch out.
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