As El Clasico approaches, Jose Mourinho gets closer to the biggest challenge his club has faced this season. While Barcelona suffered a setback, the men in white are under pressure to win.

The momentum may be shifting in Los Blancos’ favor, but the fact is that Barcelona is currently six points ahead of Real Madrid, and a win on Sunday will increase that lead to nine points.

From Real Madrid’s standpoint, winning the Clasico is nearly a must if they want to stay in the title race, and halting Barcelona’s red-hot attack will be key in accomplishing that goal.

The one dilemma

According to a recent MARCA update, Mourinho has decided on nine of his eleven starts against Barcelona and has a definite strategy in place to counter the Catalans’ ball domination.

The only question that remains is who should start at center-back, and those are the only two unresolved positions at this time.

Mourinho faces a difficult decision between Huijsen, Konate, and Rudiger. After all, the Konate-Rudiger tandem has shown good signs of synergy and understanding, but Huijsen is the player the team requires on the pitch to maintain ball control and ignite counters.

It has to be seen whether the manager prioritizes ball-playing ability above pure physicality.

Red-hot attack

Regardless of the starting lineup, Real Madrid must defend as a unit against Barcelona, as the Catalans have enormous attacking potency.

All signs point to Hansi Flick fielding his strongest XI against Real Madrid, which will contain Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Anthony Gordon, all of whom are individual pressing machines.

Furthermore, the bench strength of Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus, as well as the midfield control provided by Rodri and Pedri, indicate to a game in which Real Madrid will have to pursue the ball for long periods of time.

Keeping a good defensive partnership that can also play the ball out under pressure becomes the manager’s most critical decision.