Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in another eagerly-anticipated El Clasico at the Nou Camp on Saturday.
Here’s a look at some talking points ahead of the fixture.
Johan Cruyff tributes
The game will be Barcelona’s first outing since the death of the great Johan Cruyff, their highly influential former player and manager. The tributes are likely to be poignant with a minute’s silence, a special big-screen video and a crowd mosaic all planned. How the emotion affects the atmosphere and the title-chasing Barca team remains to be seen, but the players will probably feel they could produce no more fitting tribute than to beat their arch-rivals. Cruyff himself inspired a famous 5-0 win over Real at the Bernabeu in his first season with Barca in 1974.
Barca closing in on title
Luis Enrique’s side will resume their La Liga title challenge after the international break with a nine-point advantage at the top and with a 10-point lead over Real. Overcoming what is still a major obstacle in the run-in would take Barca a huge stride towards their goal. It would also deal a hefty blow to any lingering hopes Real might have of overhauling them.
Zidane’s first Clasico as Real coach
Zinedine Zidane made a big impact in this fixture as a Real player — not least with a starring role in a Champions League semi-final win at the Nou Camp in 2002 — and he will hope to make similar waves now he is directing affairs from the bench. Zidane’s future in the position is uncertain — his stellar playing career at the Bernabeu providing no guarantee of longevity — but a win in this fixture could enhance his standing.
Will Barca’s vaunted front trio be tired?
Barca's fearsome forward line of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez do not seem to have off-days but if there was to be a game when they might struggle to get out of the blocks, it could come after all three have just returned from international duty in South America. Real will hope fatigue might be a factor, although Barca defender Aleix Vidal claims it won't be. "It does not affect them," he said.
Time for Bale and Ronaldo to fire
Cristiano Ronaldo has had another fine season on a personal level with 41 goals to his name, but none have come against the other sides currently in the top four — Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal. There is also a sense that Gareth Bale is getting back to full tilt after an injury-hit campaign and as he builds up to Wales’ Euro 2016 campaign. Real may only have an outside chance of winning the title but points are still important as at the very least they want to get above neighbours Atletico.
