Five stats to know before El Clásico
Time to get back on track after the defeat to PSG. This Sunday sees Barça travel to the renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium to take on Real Madrid (kick-off 9pm CEST) in what is the headline matchday 32 fixture and a big game for everyone worldwide. The blaugranes are aiming to continue their good run in LaLiga and leave the spectres of Tuesday behind. Let's not forget that a win would put the Catalans just five points behind the Madrid side, the competition's front runners.
Lewy, second for most goals created
The Pole has 13 goals and eight assists, placing him second for goal involvements in LaLiga this season (21). Barça's 9 is back on form in 2024 in the domestic competition and has only one goal contribution fewer than the current 'Pichichi', Ukrainian forward Dovbyk, who is currently top scoring with 17 goals, as well as providing five assists. Real Madrid's top scorer in the league, Jude Bellingham, has 16 goals and is in third position for goal involvements with 20 (16G + 4A).
It's also worth highlighting Lewy's involvement in terms of assists this year, as he is out in front for the ratio between Expected Assists (i.e. the quality of passes and the likelihood they will be an assist) and completed assists (5.12) across all Barça and Real Madrid players. According to this advanced metric, he should have almost three (2.88) and he has made eight.
And first for shots on goal
Lewandowski has had 33 shots on goal from the 28 LaLiga games he has played this season. Real Madrid's Brazilian player Rodrygo has also had the same amount of shots, albeit having played two games more.
Gündogan, the main chance creator
The German has become one of the most important players in Xavi Hernández' squad. He has quickly made his mark on LaLiga and he has created the most chances from one player from either side, no fewer than 82. He is averaging three chances per game (3), the second highest across both teams, behind Modric with 3.23. The Croatian player has played fewer minutes, though, and has only created 37 chances in total.
Kroos, a reliable passer
Gündogan's compatriot is a clear example of reliability and quality. He leads both passing categories and is in the top 3 for two others. The Real Madrid number 8 makes more passes per game (93.78) and completes more passes in the opponents' half (52.32). He is also in second place for pass accuracy, a category led by Danish centre-back (and now defensive midfielder) Andreas Christensen with 94.99%; and he is third for the highest percentage in the opponent's half, behind his teammate Ferland Mendy (93.66%) and again behind Christensen (93.64%). Lastly, he is fourth in LaLiga for completed passes (2,074).
Ter Stegen, the wall is back
Sticking with German players, the clean sheet run has returned now the second captain is back between the sticks. What's more, Barça's number 1 has made the most saves from all four Barça and Madrid keepers to have played in LaLiga this season, with 52. He also makes the most saves per game, averaging 2.48. His opposite number, Andriy Lunin, has the best save percentage with 78.85%. Ter Stegen is showing he is ready to win the 'Zamora' (most clean sheets) trophy again this season.