El Clasico: 3 Reasons why Real Madrid will defeat Barcelona | La Liga 2019-20

The upcoming El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be extremely crucial in the context of the teams' respective standings in the league. Initially scheduled for October 26, the match was postponed to December 19 due to security concerns for the Los Blancos amid pro-independence demonstrations in Catalonia over that period.

Both the formidable clubs are currently tied on points at the top of the La Liga table, amassing 35 points each and are heading into this blockbuster fixture having had an identical run in their last five outings, winning four of them and drawing one.

⚽️ Benzema 12-12 Messi🎯 Benzema 05-06 Messi 🏆 La Liga Points👕 Madrid 35-35 BarcelonaA Perfect Build up to the Greatest Game on the Planet. #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/zBfomfQ6W6

— SM (@SMFutball) December 15, 2019

But it seems Zinedine Zidane's men might have the upper hand heading into the fixture. They have conceded just 12 goals in 16 games, out of which 6 have come away from home. Also, they are the highest-scoring away team in the league, alongside Barcelona, with a handsome return of 13 goals in their travels.

Since their 1-0 loss at RCD Mallorca, the club has seen a turnaround in its form. They are undefeated across all competition's since and have managed to keep six clean sheets with under-fire Thibaut Courtois also finding his feet in between the sticks for the club.

They have not had a good run in the previous editions of this fixture and thus are entering the Camp Nou as the underdogs this time around against a side that has scored 30 goals in seven home games and has not tasted defeat yet in their home territory.

Los Vikingos are not used to the underdog status and will be highly motivated to obtain a favourable outcome in this week's fixture.

So as the football world gears up for possibly the most intense rivalry in world football, we look at three reasons why Real Madrid will be victorious in the 243rd El Clasico.

Also See: LaLiga, LaLiga Standings

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#3 Karim Benzema's devastating league form

Karim Benzema is the league's top scorer alongside Lionel Messi, with 12 goals.

Karim Benzema is finally filling the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo at the Madrid based outfit. He is finding the back of the net regularly and delivering match-winning performances as well.

Benzema has seen an uptick in his form and effectiveness in front of goal since the return of his compatriot Zidane at the helm of affairs at the Santiago Bernabeu. Since his appointment in March, the former Lyon star has bagged 24 goals in 30 appearances, including nine in his last eight outings.

Karim Benzema has been directly involved in more LaLiga goals this season than any other player (16):• 14 games• 11 goals• 5 assistsWhat a striker. pic.twitter.com/bPbuWUzUau

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 7, 2019

The Frenchman started on the bench in Madrid's Champions League win over Club Brugge, though he played the entire 90 minutes in their latest fixture against Valencia, also scoring the crucial equalizer in the dying moments of the game. He should still be rested enough to test this season's uncharacteristically modest Barcelona defence.

Though he may not pack the same punch as Ronaldo, who was the ultimate big-game player for them and possessed the ability to single-handedly turn the game on its head, Benzema's performances would prove pivotal if they are to tear down the Barca defence at the Camp Nou.

#2 Zinedine Zidane's record in the Clasico

Zidane has managed Real Madrid in seven El Clasicos.

Not a lot of managers can claim to have been victorious in their Clasico debut, let alone defeating Barcelona in their backyard in that fixture as well. Zizou had a dream El Clasico debut at the Camp Nou, as his side secured an unlikely win over their fierce rivals on April 2 2016, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo goal.

Coincidentally this win remains the last triumph of the club over Barcelona in a league fixture.

Zidane became only the second manager in this century to claim victory over Barca at their home in his first trip to Catalonia, with Bernd Schuster being the first coach to do so in his debut visit during the 2007-08 season.

In total, he has overseen seven Clasicos during his first stint as a coach at the club and has won three of those, drawn two and lost two. With win percentage close to 50%, he can head into the fixture with a certain confidence of getting the better of the home side, who have looked especially vulnerable at the back.

Though he does not have Ronaldo at his disposal this time around, some smart dealings in the summer window have strengthened the team in vulnerable areas, especially the defence.

#1 A balanced squad and an efficient formation

Valencia CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Over the last decade, one of the most striking things about the Real Madrid side was their dependence on Ronaldo. Well, given his output in crucial games, we can't blame the visitors for that.

But, at times, the squad had also looked unbalanced, with the team being more top-heavy.

Club Brugge KV v Real Madrid: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Casemiro was the only proper defensive midfielder in the squad, but that has changed with the inclusion of Fede Valverde in the first-team fold, who has been a revelation for the Los Blancos. Now he starts alongside the Brazilian in a three-man midfield, assuming the role of box-to-box midfielder at times to provide the crucial balance that holds the team from overcommitting in their attack.

Though veteran left-back Marcelo is set to miss this fixture, it might be a blessing in disguise for them, as it will allow the impressive Ferland Mendy to start at left-back, who has been outstanding so far for the club, while Marcelo has struggled against pace this term.

After a long time, the club is looking like a well-oiled machine and it is this solidarity that will be key for the men from Madrid to beat their rivals at their home.

Ferland Mendy.