La Liga Round 11 Preview: Can Real Madrid Win the First Clásico? Almería in Dire Straits

The 11th round of La Liga continues on October 28, with league leaders Real Madrid set to face off against Barcelona. In the past two seasons, Los Blancos have secured victories in the first Clásico of the season. This year, neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona have reached their peak form, but Madrid's more complete squad gives them an edge. Meanwhile, bottom-placed Almería is still searching for their first win of the season. Last season, Elche faced a similar fate and ultimately got relegated. Can Almería avoid the same outcome?

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid - Can Lewandowski Regain His Form?

The Spanish Clásico, taking place on the final weekend before daylight saving time ends, features two teams whose performances have been satisfactory but not stellar. Both teams are far from the peak form expected by their fans, making this match particularly intriguing. Unfortunately, due to ongoing renovations at Camp Nou, the match will be held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the stadium that hosted the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and serves as the home ground for the Catalan national team. It can accommodate over 55,000 spectators, significantly more than Real Madrid’s temporary stadium during Bernabéu renovations.

After ten rounds, Barcelona’s goals conceded have already reached half of last season’s total. While conceding an average of one goal per game is still an excellent defensive record, their limited attacking prowess necessitates even stronger defensive efforts to retain their title. The three teams that have held Barcelona to draws this season are all from the lower half of the table, and two of them even led at one point. Could it be that the defending champions have become complacent?

Last round, against Athletic Bilbao, Lewandowski was still absent, and with a midweek Champions League match, Barcelona fielded several young players. Excitingly for fans, 17-year-old striker Marc Guiu scored his debut goal just one minute into his first-team appearance. With a physique similar to Lewandowski’s, he hopes to learn from the Polish star to become a world-class striker. This season, Barcelona was drawn into the weakest Champions League group, easing Xavi's mind about their prospects.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, dropped points against an improving Sevilla last round. With the Champions League in mind, key players like Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga started on the bench. The match was evenly contested, with numerous but low-quality shots. A brief five-minute surge in the second half saw each team score once, ending the game 1-1.

In their midweek Champions League clash against Braga, Real Madrid fielded their strongest lineup and capitalized on their exceptional Champions League pedigree to score twice. Jude Bellingham once again made it to the scoresheet, contributing to 11 goals and 3 assists in his 12 appearances since joining Real Madrid. His role as a shadow striker has been compared to Kaká’s impact at AC Milan. Ancelotti's knack for nurturing talent is evident, although his rumored move to manage the Brazil national team next season remains unconfirmed, with no contracts signed yet. Real Madrid fans undoubtedly hope he stays.

Real Madrid has won the first league encounter in the past two seasons, but Barcelona still holds the overall head-to-head advantage. Currently, Madrid's squad is more complete. Although Lewandowski participated in training on Friday, his form remains questionable, making a 2-1 away victory for Real Madrid a plausible outcome.

Almería vs. Las Palmas - Can the Bottom Team Avoid Relegation?

Almería’s season has been abysmal, with no wins after ten rounds. They are the only team yet to secure a victory, and last season, Elche faced a similar fate and ultimately got relegated, despite having one more point than Almería at the same stage. This puts Almería in an even more precarious position. However, this season's relegation battle is not as fierce, with Mallorca sitting just outside the relegation zone with only eight points. Last season, even nine points were insufficient to escape the danger zone at this stage.

Newly promoted Las Palmas, on the other hand, has won three of their last five matches, gradually moving towards mid-table. Their strong defense is a key reason for their position above the relegation zone, having conceded only nine goals, fewer than all but the two top teams. They are one of only three teams in La Liga yet to concede double-digit goals. In the last five rounds, Las Palmas has not only maintained solid defense but also improved their attack, with striker Marc Cardona scoring twice in the last three games. Having a reliable target man has significantly boosted the team’s confidence.

Almería, who returned to La Liga a year before Las Palmas, does not have the advantage in experience. Their morale and fighting spirit seem lacking compared to their opponents. However, Las Palmas is not a consistently stable team, and Almería could seize the opportunity to secure a 1-0 victory in this crucial match.

Real Madrid's Strengths and Challenges

Real Madrid's squad depth and experience are their biggest strengths. The midfield combination of Modric, Camavinga, and Bellingham has proven effective, and Ancelotti’s tactical acumen ensures they are well-prepared for high-stakes matches. Bellingham’s seamless integration into the team and his consistent performances have added a new dimension to Madrid's attack. Additionally, their defensive solidity, anchored by Courtois in goal and the experienced backline, provides a strong foundation.

However, Real Madrid faces challenges, including the need to manage player fatigue with a busy fixture schedule, especially with key players aging. Ancelotti’s future remains uncertain, and any potential managerial changes could impact team dynamics. Moreover, the intense rivalry and psychological pressure of the Clásico can affect performance, making it crucial for Madrid to stay focused and composed.

Barcelona's Hopes and Concerns

For Barcelona, the return of Lewandowski is a significant boost, although his current form is uncertain. The emergence of young talents like Marc Guiu offers promise, but relying on inexperienced players in crucial matches can be risky. Xavi’s tactical decisions and ability to motivate his squad will be vital in overcoming Real Madrid’s challenge.

Defensively, Barcelona must tighten up to compensate for their relatively weaker attack. The temporary move to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys may also impact their home advantage, although the passionate support of their fans will still be a driving force.

The Relegation Battle for Almería

Almería’s dire situation requires immediate improvement. Their inability to secure a win so far is alarming, and they must capitalize on their home games to turn the tide. Defensive organization and tactical discipline will be crucial in containing Las Palmas’ attack, while finding a reliable goalscorer to break their winless streak is essential.

Las Palmas, with their recent form and defensive strength, poses a significant challenge. However, their inconsistency could be exploited by a determined Almería side. The outcome of this match could significantly influence Almería’s chances of survival this season.

The 11th round of La Liga offers intriguing matchups with significant implications. The Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is always a spectacle, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Real Madrid's complete squad and strategic depth give them an edge, but Barcelona's determination and home support could level the playing field. Meanwhile, Almería’s clash with Las Palmas is a critical encounter for the relegation-threatened side. Securing their first win of the season could be the turning point they desperately need. The outcomes of these matches will shape the narratives of their respective seasons, providing drama and excitement for fans worldwide.