El Clasico preview featuring Barcelona?s ball progression trends, npxG differential and much more. Real Madrid have barely any time to rest after knocking their newly found European rivals, Manchester City, out of the Champions League before facing their eternal rivals, Barcelona, this weekend. The Catalan club will come to Madrid trailing Los Blancos by eight points with seven matchdays remaining. The two teams arrive at the Clásico in contrasting forms and morale, after Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League quarterfinals, while Real Madrid advanced to the semifinals following two thrilling matches against the English champions.
xG Differentials
Barcelona?s non-penalty goal difference is currently far from its peaks under Ronald Koeman in 2020-21 and under Xavi in 2022-23. Their non-penalty xG (expected goals) difference is lower than at their peak last season, but not to the drastic extent of the period when Koeman was sacked.
Robert Lewandowski reached his peak in terms of non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals (npxG) during his first few weeks at Barcelona. This season, his non-penalty goals dipped to an all-time low at one point; however, he has regained some form in recent weeks.

Expected Threat (xT)
Barcelona?s creation of expected threat (xT) follows a pattern: they prefer attacking from the flanks rather than directly from the center. This pattern held true both last season and this season. As for co...