Real Madrid Eyes History in El Clasico Showdown

Real Madrid is set to make history in this Saturday’s El Clasico against Barcelona (20:00 BST), just one game away from equaling La Liga’s longest unbeaten run. Carlo Ancelotti’s team, unbeaten for 42 games, last lost in La Liga over a year ago. A win or draw will see them tie Barcelona’s record of 43 unbeaten games, set between 2017 and 2018. Real’s streak began following a 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid on September 24, 2023.

Since then, they’ve amassed 31 wins and 11 draws securing last season’s La Liga title and going unbeaten in the Champions League where they ultimately won the final against Borussia Dortmund. Key players in this achievement include Federico Valverde, a steadfast presence in midfield and Vinicius Junior, who has scored 19 goals since the streak began. Jude Bellingham follows closely with 14 goals.

Compared to Barcelona’s 43-game unbeaten run from 2017-2018, Real Madrid currently has more clean sheets (23 vs. Barcelona’s 19) and has conceded fewer goals (27 to Barcelona’s 33). However, Barcelona’s record-breaking squad, led by Lionel Messi delivered more wins (34) and points (111) than Real Madrid has so far. Messi also had a standout 58 goal involvements during their run while Vinicius and Bellingham combined currently have 48.

Real Madrid holds additional momentum against their rivals, having defeated Barcelona in their last three meetings including league matches and a Supercopa final. If they secure or extend their unbeaten streak this weekend, Real could then pursue Bayern Munich’s European top-five league record of 53 unbeaten games set in 2014. All eyes will be on Ancelotti’s men as they aim to make history at Santiago Bernabeu.