The big day has arrived. The first Clasico of the season. Real Madrid versus Barcelona.
Tonight, around the world more than 500 million people will tune in to watch the 169th La Liga meeting between the two most successful sides. 14 nations will be represented on the field. And that’s why the papers are billing this as the worldwide Clasico.
Marca says the earth will shake, while AS goes for the ‘Football Expo’ headline. There are so many fascinating elements to tonight’s encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the papers have them all covered.
Luis Suarez is set to make his debit, Leo Messi could break the league goalscoring record. What reception will he get if he does just that? Ronaldo is is fine form and has scored 15 league goals already this term. Sergio Ramos is fit again, but will Raphael Varane keep his place? All these issues questions are being asked and debated on.
There will be new faces too in a Clasico fixture. Javier Hernandez, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos have never taken part in one for Real Madrid. At the other end of the scale, Iker Casillas will be taking part in his 36th Clasico fixture, having made his first appearance against Los Cules at the age of 18, some 14 years ago now.
We’re into the final few hours before kick off. It’s time to enjoy the atmosphere build up. Hala Madrid!
