'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
El Clasico is the battle between two of the most successful clubs in European football, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. The game between two of the fiercest rivals is considered the biggest game in club football. Between them, they share 57 La Liga titles and much more silverware.
Some of the greatest names in world football has played for these 2 legendary clubs. Zinedine Zidane, Raul Gonzalez, David Beckham, Iker Casillas, Hugo Sachez, Roberto Carlos and Di Stefano have represented the Los Blancos while Ronaldo, Xavi Hernandez, Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, Michael Laudrup, Deigo Maradona, and Johan Cruyff have represented the Blaugrana.
This is an important game for Real Madrid as nothing but a win will only keep their hopes alive in the La Liga title race.
On that note, Let's take a look at the 5 players who will make or break the El Clasico fixture on Saturday
#5 Marc-Andre ter Stegen
One of the most improved players in 2017, ter Stegen has moved from Barcelona's second choice keeper to one of the world's best in a span of few years. The 25-year-old has the best defensive record for any goalkeeper in Europe's top 5 leagues this season.
The German shot-stopper has made some unbelievable saves when needed, notably against Juventus in a 0-0 draw, against Bilbao in a 2-0 win, and against Valencia in a 1-1 draw.
He possesses excellent reflexes, brilliant in one-on-one situations and known for his ability as a sweeper-keeper. He is expected to have a busy day on Saturday, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema looking to get the better of him.
Ter Stegen 2017/18 stats in La Liga:
Total appearances - 16
Clean sheets - 10
Avg. goals conceded - 0.44
Total saves - 45
#4 Toni Kroos
One of the best midfielders in world football at the moment, Toni Kroos is the fulcrum of Real Madrid's attacking play. Known for his incisive passing and vision, Kroos can perform various midfield roles.
Zinedine Zidane will look to him to control the midfield and dictate the play. With a pass accuracy of at least 93% in his last 2 La Liga seasons, Kroos is the man for Real Madrid to break open Barcelona's defense.
With Luka Modric not at his usual best, the German midfielder will be expected to run the show. He will be the key player for Zidane to break Barcelona's rhythm and stop passes from reaching Messi and Suarez in the final third. His set-piece deliveries will also be a key factor in the game.
#3 Luiz Suarez
Luis Suarez has hit form at the right moment. The 30-year-old struggled for goals early in the campaign but has scored six in his last five games.
The Uruguayan star has a fair share of El Clasico moments. Since arriving from Liverpool in 2014, Luis Suarez has been the target man for Barcelona.
His brace in the 0-4 thrashing of the Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2015 still holds a place in the mind of Barcelona fans.
His linkup play with Lionel Messi holds the key to Barcelona's success and the pair is expected to start the game on Saturday. While all the focus is on Messi and Ronaldo, the Uruguayan hotshot has the ability to turn the game in Barcelona's favor.
Suarez stats:
El Clasico goals in La Liga - 4
La Liga goals in 2017/18 - 9
Recent form - 6 goals in his last 5 La Liga games
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid is struggling for consistency and not clicking as a unit. It is fair to say that the hopes of Real Madrid solely rest on his shoulders. He may be struggling in La Liga at the moment but the Cristiano Ronaldo we all know will not stay quiet for long.
The best footballer in the world (according to FIFA) needs no motivation and it gives him one more opportunity to be a hero again for Real Madrid. With 17 El Clasico goals in 28 appearances for Real Madrid, the Portuguese star is one short of Di Stefano to become Real's all-time top scorer in Clasico.
He is fresh from lifting the Club World Cup and goals are beginning to come for him. He reminded us of his abilities with a stunning free kick in the finals at Abu Dhabi. With Barcelona's best defender Samuel Umtiti out injured, Barcelona may find it hard to stop the 5 times Ballon d'Or winner.
Ronaldo El Clasico stats:
Appearances - 28
Goals - 17
Assists - 1
Direct involvement in a goal (per game) - 0.64
#1 Lionel Messi
The most successful players in the history of El Clasico, Lionel Messi is the man to watch out for when the Catalan Giants takes the field on Saturday. The Argentine has been in sensational form for the club and country over the last few months. With 24 goals, he is the all-time top scorer in the El Clasico.
He single-handedly took Argentina to the World Cup and played a pivotal role for Barcelona until now.
Messi has scored 14 goals and assisted 5 more in 16 La Liga appearances this season. He is playing his role to perfection under the new boss Ernesto Valverde, helping Barcelona to an unbeaten run in 2017/18.
Last time when Barcelona traveled to Santiago Bernabeu for a La Liga game in April 2017, the little magician grabbed a stunning brace to sink Real Madrid 2-3 at their home. With an 11 point lead in La Liga, Messi is under no pressure this time around and can play freely. Ominous signs for Real Madrid.
Messi El Clasico stats:
Appearances - 36
Goals - 24
Assists - 13
Goals in Santiago Bernabeu - 12
Direct involvement in a goal (per game) - 1.02
