“These two could be, perhaps even again, the best teams in Europe; This could be a battle like before, closer and more competitive than anyone expected… a clash of styles and identities… a clash of titans.” Leave it to the good doctor to set the scene.

Reigning champions Real Madrid will be without Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois, both of whom are injured. They are two of three changes to their starting XI following the 5-2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund: club captain Luka Modrić is on the bench; Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga enter the midfield, while Andriy Lunin is in goal.

Barcelona, ​​on the other hand, are unchanged after their 4-1 win against Bayern Munich. Gavi, just returning from a long-term injury, is on the bench hoping to extend the 12 minutes he spent as a substitute against Sevilla and Bayern since his return last weekend.

The teams

preamble