Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clasico Combined XI
At this stage of the season, El Clasico is nothing more than an opportunity for Real Madrid to take revenge on Barcelona. The reverse fixture saw Barcelona win 4-0 at the Bernabeu. It was only their second loss in the league but saw them start a downward slide to third spot – 10 points behind the Catalan club.
In a league where dropping three points usually sees the title race swing one way or the other, a 10-point gap with eight games to go is virtually impossible to erase. Still, the Clasico is the biggest fixture in club football – one every player from both clubs looks forward to.
So which players from both sides would be selected in a combined XI based on their form this season?
Stats taken from WhoScored. Only La Liga stats have been considered.
Goalkeeper
This position is undisputed this season. After failing to sign David De Gea from Manchester United, Real Madrid had no choice but to persist with Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican goalkeeper was at the airport without any luggage on deadline day and broke down when the deal fell through.
“[It] was one of the worst days of my football career,” Navas said. “I cried near my wife when the transfer window was closed.”
He won’t be crying anymore. Navas has redeemed himself and been one of the Blancos’ most consistent performers this season. With De Gea extending his contract with the Red Devils, Madrid put their faith in him and he did not disappoint.
Time and again he has been the difference between a point or all three. When the defence failed over and over again, Navas came to the rescue. When they conceded penalties, he stood firm and kept them out, setting a record in the process.
And he has not given up even if others have. “We can’t give up, that’s not worthy of Madrid.”