"Absolute perfection" is how FC Barcelona's website described their 5-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday, a result that will have Real Madrid on their toes ahead of next week's Clasico.
The Catalans moved three points clear of Los Blancos at the top of La Liga after a resounding victory in which Robert Lewandowski scored twice to take the lead in the Golden Boot race, comfortably ahead of Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.
There was also a late gift from youngster Pablo Torre after Pedri found the net in the first half, with Stanis Idumbo netting a consolation for Sevilla, who sit 13th in the table after just three wins in their first 10 games of the 2024/25 league.
The victory for Hansi Flick's team was made sweeter by the return from injury of star midfielder Gavi, who had spent almost a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury. "I've been dreaming of this moment for months," he said later. "Looking at the team from the outside is very difficult and you have to enjoy every moment and enjoy things. I feel very lucky to be here today."
The way the win unfolded served as a warning to Barca's opponents this week: Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga. The Catalan Sports Day described the team as a "rotator"; Mundo Deportivo said he "started his big week in style". It's certainly hard to disagree.
When does El Clasico take place? Date and time of the match Real Madrid - Barcelona
The first El Clasico of the 2024/25 season will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 21:00 at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Here's how that time translates for some of the major territories:
Country | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Sat, Oct. 26 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, Oct. 26 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, Oct. 26 | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| India | Sun, Oct. 27 | 12:30 a.m. IST |
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