The El Clasico stands as an enduring fixture in Spanish football lore, and a victory this weekend for Real Madrid could extend their lead over Barcelona, who find themselves fending off Girona's challenge.

Real Madrid presently dominates La Liga, having secured 24 wins, drawn six, and suffered only one defeat in 31 matches, amassing 78 points and enjoying an eight-point cushion above Barcelona.

Los Blancos boast the league's most potent offense, netting 67 goals in 31 games, averaging 2.16 goals per match. Their defensive prowess is equally impressive, conceding just 20 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets.

Barcelona trails Real Madrid closely in second place, tallying 21 wins, seven draws, and three losses, accumulating 70 points, trailing Real Madrid by eight points, yet maintaining a five-point lead over Girona.

While Barcelona has been formidable in attack, scoring 62 goals in 31 matches, with an average of 2.00 goals per game, their defensive record has been less consistent, conceding 34 goals and securing 14 clean sheets.

The long-standing rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona spans 256 matches since their inaugural encounter in 1929. Real Madrid holds 104 victories to Barcelona's 100, with 52 matches ending in draws.

Recent encounters have seen Real Madrid clinch three victories, while Barcelona secured two wins. Goals have flowed freely, with both teams finding the net in three of the last five matches, all of which have seen at least three goals scored. Carlo Ancelotti faces the sole challenge of managing an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, while Xavi awaits the returns of Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez, and Robert Lewandowski from yellow card suspensions. Real Madrid enters the clash on a strong note, with four wins and one draw in their last five outings across all competitions.

In their recent triumph against Celta Vigo, Real Madrid displayed defensive prowess, limiting their opponents to a single shot on target while converting 13 of their own, securing a commanding 4-0 victory with goals from Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, and two own goals.

In other recent matches, Real Madrid showcased their attacking prowess, securing victories against Osasuna, Athletic Bilbao, and a draw against Manchester City in the Champions League Quarter Finals first leg.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's recent performances have seen them triumph over Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and Las Palmas, albeit with a setback against PSG in the Champions League. Despite a valiant effort, they succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, highlighting vulnerabilities in defense after Ronald Araujo's red card.

As the El Clasico approaches, anticipation mounts for another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between two of football's most iconic clubs.

The outcome of this fixture has swung back and forth between the two teams, and this weekend there's a chance that both sides could come away with a draw.

Matchoutlook Prediction : BTTS (1-1)