Real Madrid Vs Barcelona : 'El Clásico'.

REAL MADRID Vs BARCELONA

Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona go into battle at the Santiago Bernabéu this weekend on the back of mixed fortunes in European competition. As past encounters have shown, though, form can count for little when it comes to 'El Clásico'.

Expeditions in Europe
The two sides meet on Sunday evening after experiencing contrasting results on their midweek travels in the UEFA Champions League. A 4-1 triumph at FC Steaua Bucuresti was just the tonic Madrid needed to lift flagging spirits while, conversely, Barça were left somewhat crestfallen following Wednesday's defeat at Chelsea FC.

Different story
Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro, however, believes the game will be as closely contested as ever. "The Champions League is completely different to La Liga," he said. "Madrid-Barcelona matches are special. They are the kind of matches every player dreams about taking part in and past results don't come into it."

Helguera praise
Cannavaro added that he is delighted to be playing alongside Iván Helguera, who is back in favour with coach Fabio Capello. "Iván is a quality defender who never shirks away from his duties on the pitch. I have always had the greatest admiration for him and I am pleased he is back and playing so well." Helguera's restoration must also be a relief to Capello, who has had to rejig his defence while right-backs Cicinho and Míchel Salgado recover from injury.

Ronaldo ruled out
Barring any late setbacks, Capello is likely to stick with the side that beat Steaua. Ronaldo, though, will be ineligible to face his old club as he serves a one-match ban following his dismissal in the reverse against Getafe CF last weekend. José Antonio Reyes has finally shaken off a thigh problem but could start on the bench.

Rijkaard record
Frank Rijkaard is the only Barça coach to have won twice at the Bernabéu and will be seeking a famous treble to keep his team top of the table, with Madrid currently in fifth. The Dutchman is deprived of Juliano Belletti, who rests a shoulder injury, and long-term casualty Samuel Eto'o, although Carles Puyol should feature despite sustaining a back complaint against Chelsea.

Defiant Deco
Midfielder Deco is convinced the only way Barça can assuage their European disappointment is to win on Sunday. "That would put our experience in London firmly behind us," he said. "We will be going all out for victory. No one wants it as badly as we do. But it is not going to be easy as Madrid are going to be as determined as we are. The last thing they want is to lose at home."