Barcelona head coach Xavi has opted not to start veteran star Dani Alves in tonight’s El Clasico trip to Real Madrid.
The former Spanish international will ask Ronald Araujo to cover at right back with Ousmane Dembele replacing Adama Traore in the only other starting change for the visitors.
Barça XI#ElClásico
💪🟦🟥 pic.twitter.com/4ACeiSJgKt— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 20, 2022
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao return to the defence, in place of Mendy and Lucas Vazquez, with Luka Modric restored to the midfield.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @FCBarcelona_es! @UnicajaBanco | #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/fK7xns5hGi
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 20, 2022
Modric’s return pushes Fede Valverde into an advanced role to compensate for Benzema’s absence.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Valverde, Rodrygo, Vini Jr
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Busquets, Pedri, F De Jong; Dembele, Torres, Aubameyang