Real Madrid and FC Barcelona’s Planning for the Clásico Unveiled

Both teams enjoyed a day of rest on Thursday before intensively gearing up for the classic encounter. The Blancos couldn’t return after the match as Manchester airport was closed.

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona face a crucial clash this Sunday, determining whether there will be excitement in the final stretch of La Liga or if everything will be settled. Barça has no choice but to win to narrow the 8-point gap, while Madrid aims to deliver the final blow to the championship.

This week is marked by the Champions League quarter-finals. The Blaugrana suffered a heavy blow with their elimination against PSG, whereas Real Madrid had the opposite fate, overcoming Manchester City in a penalty shootout. Despite differing moods, the preparation for the classic remains the same.

Carlo Ancelotti and Xavi Hernández have granted their players a rest day on Thursday. While Barça managed a recovery training session on Wednesday, the Whites avoided it mainly due to logistical reasons.

Travel and Day Off

Real Madrid had to return from Manchester this morning (10:30 a.m.) as the city’s airport was closed after the match. Ancelotti granted them the rest of the day off upon arrival, and they are scheduled to meet again on Friday at 11:00 a.m. for training at Valdebebas.

Barça will do the same at the same time at the Ciutat Esportiva, with plans repeating on Saturday for the pre-match session. After the morning training, both Ancelotti and Xavi will hold press conferences.

The Barcelona squad will fly to Madrid on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. to stay at a hotel near the Bernabéu. Meanwhile, the Whites will convene at Valdebebas to gather together before the classic at 9:00 p.m.

La Liga enters its final stretch with seven rounds left, during which Barça hopes to inject some interest into the title race, at the very least.