Real Madrid or Barcelona? The National writers and editors predict outcome of el clasico

Francisco Seco / AP Photo

David Ramos / Getty Images

Eloy Alonso / Reuters

Albert Gea / Reuters

Editors and writers for The National Sport make their predictions for the first el clasico of the season. Who’s backing a Real Madrid win and who’s expecting Barcelona to claim all three points?

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE

Andy Mitten, European Football Correspondent

Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 1 — While the games are almost impossible to predict, goals are always likely. There has not been a goalless clasico for 18 matches. Madrid look more solid defensively than Barcelona this season, but were exposed in their last game against Sevilla. Barcelona meanwhile, have hit form without Lionel Messi.

Thomas Woods, Deputy Sports Editor

Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 0 — One of Rafa Benitez's traits as a manager has been grinding out results in tight games. Madrid have conceded just once at home this season while Barca, as good as Luis Suarez and Neymar have been, will inevitable miss Lionel Messi's ability to unlock stubborn defences. One goal will decide it and Madrid have the edge — Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jon Turner, Online Sports Editor

Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 2 — Real Madrid may boast the second-meanest defence in the league, but the three conceded at Sevilla last time out shows they are far from impenetrable. Despite the likely absence of Lionel Messi, Barcelona will still be able to call on the Primera Liga's two leading goalscorers in Neymar (10) and Luis Suarez (9). Madrid, of course boast their own fearsome attacking line so expect goals at both ends of the pitch.

Graham Caygill, Senior Sports Editor

Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 1 — Neither side has been consistently at their best so far this season, but Rafa Benitez's arrival as coach has led to Madrid improve defensively. Given the quality of offensive players on the pitch there will be goals in the game despite both sides have improved on their defensive work this season. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the difference maker. There have been questions over his form of late and the striker is at his most dangerous when he has a point to prove.

Paul Oberjuerge, Sports Editor

Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 2 — The hosts will have trouble scoring; Cristiano Ronaldo is in a funk, probably contract-related, and Karim Benzema has been distracted by legal wrangling, and no one expects Gareth Bale to make a difference. Meantime, Barca's Neymar and Luis Suarez are in form and should be able to break down Madrid for a couple of goals, even if Lionel Messi, apparently recovered from a knee injury, is not at full strength — or does not play at all.