An El Clásico to shift the momentum

The first El Clásico of the season is upon us, and it arrives at a great moment from an FC Barcelona point of view. Hansi Flick's side will take to the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium as the current LaLiga leaders, and after a resounding defeat of Bayern Munich in the Champions League at the Estadi Olímpic. The signs are good when you are coming into a clash against your traditional rivals. What's more, it also looks a good time to put an end to some runs that give the all-whites cause for optimism.

Bayern beaten, now for Real Madrid

It looks even better after the European nemesis was overcome for the first time in seven games, with not even a goal being scored in the previous four games before last night. One run has come to end, now on to some others.

Barça may be LaLiga leaders through their own efforts, having won 27 out of a possible 30 points, but let's not forget that the all-whites are yet to lose a LaLiga game, having only given up six points in the draws against Mallorca, Las Palmas and Atlético Madrid. What's more, they have now gone 42 consecutive LaLiga games unbeaten since they lost a derby match against Atlético Madrid (3-1) on 23 September last year.

Stopping a Barça record being equalled

In fact, should Barça win on Saturday, the run would stop short of 43, a number that would see them equal the all-time record for unbeaten matches in LaLiga, a record set by Barça from 2017 to 2018. They are also on a 29 unbeaten run at home in LaLiga, not having lost at the Bernabéu stadium since the Madrid 2-3 Villarreal on 8 April 2023.

Flick plus 'Tata' showed the way

The all-whites have accumulated 25 wins and 4 draws since. Flick's side can put an end to the run. The blaugrana coach himself can also break a run of the last five Barça coaches losing their first El Clásico. Neither Xavi, nor Koeman, Setién, Valverde or Luís Enrique avoided defeat in their first El Clásico. You have to go back to 'Tata' Martino for that, who won 2-1 in 2013.

The data may not really favour the blaugranes, but the first two months of competitive fixtures this season do. Flick has put together a brave, carefree side that doesn't appear to be stuck in the past. Whatever happens, Barça have shown they are more than capable enough of beating any side, including Real Madrid.