FC Barcelona is expected to line up with a formidable trio of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha, who have been in incredible form under the guidance of Hansi Flick. This season, they have scored an impressive 92 goals across all competitions, leaving other top European teams like Bayern, Real Madrid, PSG, and Liverpool in their wake.
This trio has already tasted success, winning the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey against Real Madrid. Robert Lewandowski, at 36, has been unstoppable, scoring 40 goals, including 25 in LALIGA EA SPORTS. Raphinha has taken the lead in the UEFA Champions League with 13 goals, matching Leo Messi's record from the 2011/12 season. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old wonderkid, has been providing explosive dribbling on the right wing, with 14 assists in LALIGA.
In recent El Clásicos, this trio has caused problems for the Madrid defense, scoring eight goals against them this season, including memorable matches like the 0-4 at Santiago Bernabéu and the 2-5 in the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona has won all three encounters this season.
An additional threat for Barcelona is Ferran Torres, who has netted 44 goals in official matches for the club since joining. He has been in top form, scoring eight goals in under three months, including a crucial equalizer against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, boasts a trio of Kylian Mbappé, Viní Jr., and Rodrygo Goes, known for their individual brilliance. Mbappé, the season's marquee signing, has grown stronger as the campaign has progressed and is in a close battle for the LALIGA golden boot with 24 goals. Viní Jr. adds pace and unpredictability from the left, contributing 14 assists.
Rodrygo has reached the 50-goal milestone with the club this season, completing a trio that's found top form in the final stretch. Together, they've combined for 68 goals, making them the third-highest scoring trio in Europe. The chemistry between Mbappé and Vinícius has become one of Ancelotti's most dangerous weapons, with the trio scoring in the same match on three occasions.
This trio has a history of direct battles with FC Barcelona, with Mbappé facing them six times, scoring seven goals, including a memorable hat-trick at Camp Nou in the 2021 Champions League and goals in both finals against Barça this season.
Jude Bellingham, an undisputed starter and key player for Real Madrid, is the fourth man in their attack. He has been essential in building play and finishing moves, with 13 goals and 14 assists so far this season. Last year, he scored a brace to secure a 2-1 win for Real Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
The stage is set for an exciting showdown between these two powerful teams, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The outcome will be determined by how well they can utilize their attacking firepower and defend against each other's threats.