Primera Liga: Barcelona v Real Madrid Nou Camp: Locked in combat at the top of the Primera Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their rivalry at the Nou Camp tonight in the most keenly awaited Spanish derby for years.
For the first time in five seasons there will be more than pride at stake as the two sides go into the game occupying the top two places in the table.
Leaders Barcelona lost their unbeaten record in the league last weekend with a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis, while Real closed the gap at the top to four points thanks to a 6-1 thrashing of Albacete at the Bernabeu.
The Catalans, who will be roared on by a 98,000 capacity crowd at their stadium, have played some sparkling attacking football this season, but know that they will need to be at their very best if they are to put one over their arch rivals.
"You can't predict what will happen in these sort of games," says midfielder Xavi, Barca's stand-out player this season.
"A lot will depend on who gets control of the ball, but with the support of our fans we have to get the three points and it would be fantastic if we could put seven between us and Real."
The game will be given added spice by the presence of African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o who joined Barca from Real Mallorca at the start of the season after Real decided not to use their option to buy him.
The lively Cameroon international, who has an excellent record against Real, has been in electrifying form this term. He leads the Primera Liga scoring charts with nine goals and will be keen to prove his former club Real were wrong to let him go.
Former Barca players Luis Figo and Ronaldo can be assured of a hostile reception as they return to the Nou Camp.
Real won 2-1 in the equivalent fixture last season, their first victory at the Nou Camp for 20 years. They are almost certain to be without centre-back Ivan Helguera, who is suffering from knee problems, Barca midfielder Ludovic Giuly is also likely to miss out because of a thigh injury, but inspirational defender Carles Puyol should be available.
The game will give Michael Owen his first chance to savour the atmosphere of the most intense game in Spanish football, but the England striker is almost certain to start on the bench.
