Goal puts together a team made up of the best players from either side, but who makes the cut in the absence of Lionel Messi?
On Sunday, the age-old rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid will recommence at Camp Nou.
The Catalans sit one point behind leaders Atletico in the Primera Division table after Saturday's results, but while Madrid find themselves apparently distant in eighth, victory would draw them to within a point of their foes and, temporarily, at least, arrest talk of crisis.
In the build up to the game, though, there are inevitable squabbles over which team has the better squad. Is Luis Suarez superior to Karim Benzema or is Casemiro better than Sergio Busquets?
Here, Goal picks the combined Clasico XI, judging players on current form and availability for the fixture, meaning that Lionel Messi – out with a fractured arm – cannot be picked.
Getty Images1Gareth Bale
Gareth Bales heroics in the Champions League final seemed to have teed him up for a better year at the Bernabeu, but that has not come to fruition. Scored three times in the first three games of the Primera Division season and makes the cut due to a lack of better options.
AdvertisementLLUIS GENE/AFP2Luis Suarez
With Real Madrid impotent, Luis Suarez finds himself in the centre-forward role almost by default. He has not hit the heights expected of him yet this season, but with four goals and as many assists, he is still producing the goods for his team.
Getty Images3Philippe Coutinho
The Clasico giants are both toiling by their high standards offensively this season, but Barcelona impressed in their 4-2 win over Sevilla last weekend, in which Philippe Coutinho struck the opening goal. Has yet to find his best form since moving to Spain but has four goals for the season.
Getty4Ivan Rakitic
Like Modric, Ivan Rakitic shone at the World Cup, but his overall level of performance this year has been formidable. Is a player who provides fluidity to his team and dovetails perfectly with his compatriot.