`This is an important match for both the players and the fans,` Ancelotti said on October 27 during the pre-match press conference.

Coach Ancelotti witnessed Real players practice on October 27.

Before round 11 of La Liga, Real led with 25 points, equal to Girona and one point ahead of Barca.

According to Transfermarkt, Real’s entire squad is valued at 1.09 billion USD, about 177 million USD more than Barca.

Ancelotti praised Barca as a great team, well organized in both attack and defense.

According to the 64-year-old coach, injuries to key players, such as Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Jules Kounde or Raphinha, are the reason why Barca gives opportunities to many young players.

The first El Clasico match of the season was soon `heated up` with a message from Miquel Camps, a member of Barca’s board of directors, on social network X. `This is not racism. Vinicius deserves to be eaten.`

President Florentino Perez is said to not be attending today’s match due to statements from Barca board members.

Ancelotti also confirmed that Bellingham – who limped off the field when he made way for Lucas Vazquez in the 89th minute of Braga’s 2-1 win in the Champions League in midweek – had recovered and was ready to play.