• Barcelona attend a training session on the eve of Sunday's Primera Liga game against arch-rivals Real Madrid, an encounter called 'El Clasico'. AFP
    Barcelona attend a training session on the eve of Sunday's Primera Liga game against arch-rivals Real Madrid, an encounter called 'El Clasico'. AFP
  • Barca players seem fairly relaxed ahead of the game, considered one of the most watched football matches around the world. AFP
    Barca players seem fairly relaxed ahead of the game, considered one of the most watched football matches around the world. AFP
  • The game on Sunday will be without Lionel Messi, with the Barcelona superstar nursing a fractured arm. Real Madrid will not have the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left in the summer to join Italian side Juventus. AFP
    The game on Sunday will be without Lionel Messi, with the Barcelona superstar nursing a fractured arm. Real Madrid will not have the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left in the summer to join Italian side Juventus. AFP
  • Barcelona will be hosting Real Madrid at the famed Camp Nou. AFP
    Barcelona will be hosting Real Madrid at the famed Camp Nou. AFP
  • The Catalan club are Primera Liga leaders at the moment, while oddly Madrid are only seventh in the table. AFP
    The Catalan club are Primera Liga leaders at the moment, while oddly Madrid are only seventh in the table. AFP
  • Despite Messi's absence, however, Barcelona will be favourites to win on Sunday. AFP
    Despite Messi's absence, however, Barcelona will be favourites to win on Sunday. AFP
  • Philippe Coutinho, left, will be crucial to Barcelona's chances of winning the game. AFP
    Philippe Coutinho, left, will be crucial to Barcelona's chances of winning the game. AFP
  • Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde will be determined to prepare his team in the best possible way for Sunday. AFP
    Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde will be determined to prepare his team in the best possible way for Sunday. AFP

Football

Barcelona v Real Madrid: Catalan side look relaxed at training - in pictures

View a slideshow of the Catalan club's players preparing for Sunday's big Primera Liga game

The National

October 27, 2018

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Barcelona players were seemingly relaxed during training at their Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training ground in the Catalan city of Sant Joan Despi on Saturday.

The Primera Liga leaders are preparing for their 'El Clasico' game against arch-rivals Real Madrid, to be played at Barca's Camp Nou stadium on Sunday.

Barcelona will be without superstar Lionel Messi, which on the surface of it sets them back a little. But Madrid have their own problems: they have had injury problems, while they are in rebuilding mode under a new manager and without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Italian club Juventus in the summer.

The game kicks off at 7.15pm, UAE time.

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Read more:

Ian Hawkey: Zidane's exit appears prophetic as pressure piles on Lopetegui ahead of el clasico

Ernesto Valverde: Watch out for 'wounded' Madrid, warns Barcelona manager

Barcelona v Real Madrid: Five facts you may not know about el clasico

Andy Mitten: Arthur Barcelona's most crucial player ahead of el clasico

Rafinha: Win over Inter Milan 'great boost' for Barca ahead of el clasico

Lionel Messi: Barca captain ruled out of el clasico with fractured arm

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