Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Combined El Clasico XI

Come Saturday night, the football world’s attention will turn to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for a much anticipated 229th El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. It is still early into the season but it will be a match that neither can afford to lose, for obvious reasons. Both teams were pipped by Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title last time around; however, these two giants have entered this season with some new faces in their teams as they look to get back on top. With around 24 hours to go for the kickoff in Madrid, we take a look at the combined XI for both teams. The players that are unavailable for the game have been overlooked for the combined XI. Formation: 4-4-2Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect those of the site.

#1 Goalkeeper

Claudio Bravo

After moving to Barcelona on a €12 million move from Real Sociedad, Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo has enjoyed a fine start to the season under the bar. He has appeared in all eight of Barcelona’s league matches so far and has not let in a single goal, thus setting a new La Liga record for minutes played without conceding.

Of course, it can be said, the opposition Bravo has had to face so far are nowhere near the quality that he will have to deal with in the Bernabeu. Nevertheless, he has done considerably well when called to action, making 13 saves in the league so far. Coach Luis Enrique will be hoping for Bravo to take this form to El Clasico although he will admit that this match is a different prospect altogether.