Clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona are rarely short on drama and this evening’s La Liga ‘Clasico’ may have more than its usual share with Luis Suarez poised to return from a biting ban and Barca team-mate Lionel Messi on the brink of equalling the top-flight scoring record.

Watched by millions around the world, meetings between the European heavyweights have, over the years, showcased the spectacular talents of the game’s best, while occasionally being marred by ugly controversy.

The matches are also played out against the background of national politics and the latest edition has an added edge given the ongoing battle between the central government in Madrid and the Catalan administration in Barcelona over the region’s independence drive.

Suarez’s ban for biting an opponent at the World Cup expired yesterday and the Uruguay forward could make his official Barca debut in a formidable three-pronged attack with Messi and Neymar.

Messi, meanwhile, is one goal short of the Liga scoring record of 251, set six decades ago by Telmo Zarra.

Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who joined from Sevilla in the close season and could feature in his first Real-Barca game, summed up what taking part in a ‘Clasico’ means to a player.

“I dreamed about it as a child but now I don’t want to dream about it I want to experience it,” Rakitic said this week.

“I used to watch them at home with my wife as a football fan because it’s a match in which the world’s best players clash,” added the Croatia international.

After an early-season wobble, Real have been on scintillating form in recent weeks and Cristiano Ronaldo has netted a jaw-dropping 15 goals in seven La Liga outings.

Messi and Neymar have also been typically prolific, with the Argentine on seven goals and the Brazilian on eight.

A win for leaders Barca, who have yet to concede a goal in eight La Liga matches this term and won both derbies last season, would stretch their advantage over third-placed Real to seven points.

Real are likely to be without Wales winger Gareth Bale, who has a muscle strain, while Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos has been sidelined by a calf injury.

“We’re in good form and in good shape, focused and playing really well,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the 3-0 Champions League success at Liverpool.

“We go into the Clasico in great shape and Barcelona also go into the match in ideal condition.”

The stage is set then for another titanic battle when there will be far more than a mere three points in the La Liga title race at stake.

La Liga ‘Clasico’ factbox...

1 – The number of ‘Clasico’ victories Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has presided over in three meetings since taking over from Jose Mourinho at the end of the 2012-13 season, a 2-1 win in April’s King’s Cup final. Barca won both La Liga ‘Clasicos’ last term and have since replaced coach Gerardo Martino with Luis Enrique.

18 – The number of cards the most booked player, former Real and Spain defender Fernando Hierro, collected in official ‘Clasicos’ (17 yellow and one red). Real’s current centre-back Sergio Ramos has 14 yellow cards and two red cards.

21 – The number of goals scored by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in 28 ‘Clasicos’. Cristiano Ronaldo has 13 for Real Madrid.

32 – The number of ‘Clasico’ appearances made by Luis Enrique for Real (1991-96) and Barca (1996-2004).

44 – The record number of ‘Clasico’ appearances made by Real’s Paco Gento.
Among active players, Barca playmaker Xavi has the most with 40, ahead of Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas on 35, Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta on 29 and Messi on 28.

91 – Real have beaten Barca 91 times in official matches, with 89 wins for the Catalans and 48 draws.

228 – The number of official ‘Clasicos’ played since the pair’s first encounter in the last four of the Spanish Cup on May 13, 1902, which Barca won 3-1.

385 – The number of goals Real Madrid have scored in official ‘Clasicos’, 14 more than Barcelona.

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