Real Madrid v Barcelona: La Liga – live

The first The El Clasico of the season, and it’s a top of the table clash. As per usual, right? Well, not exactly since Barcelona, top of La Liga on goal difference, are staring down a Champions League abyss and need the domestic scene as a fig leaf for their European problems. That came, of course, after Barça attempted to raise themselves with some Kwasi-style economics, pulling more levers than The Fat Controller. Real Madrid have sat back and been far more circumspect. Having called off the dogs in the Kylian Mbappé hunt, they are in the process of a partial rebuild, with Aurelien Tchouameni in the midfield, and the likes of Luka Modric rested on occasion, though the latter great man will be lining up here.

It’s also Robert Lewandowski’s first Clasico, where he will face Ballon d’Or elect Karim Benzema, playing in his 42nd, battle of 34-year-olds, the two best strikers of their generation. This fixture will always possess such star quality, and though this game may not have hit the hype levels of You Know Who v Him Too it’s sure to throw up storylines aplenty, and hopefully lots of good football.

The kick-off is 3.15pm UK time. Join me.