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Tough games for Barca and Real Madrid ahead of international break

Xinhua, November 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both face vital matches on Sunday ahead of the international break and the "Clasico"between the two sides which will be played when the BBVA Primera Liga returns to action on Nov. 21.

   Barcelona, who are without Ivan Rakitic, Leo Messi and Rafinha through injury and Javier Mascherano through suspension face an in-form Villarreal in the Camp Nou Stadium, while Real Madrid have to travel to face a Sevilla side smarting after consecutive defeats, but with the talent to make Rafael Benitez's side suffer.

   Barca coach Luis Enrique took his players to the Pueta Ventura adventure park on Friday in an attempt to diffuse some of the tension which has surrounded them following the Halloween prank last weekend in Getafe where some sections of the press have tried to use against them, alleging a lack of respect for their rivals.

   Luis Enrique's side have improved in recent weeks and all but sealed their qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night with a 3-0 win at home to BATE Borisov, thanks to goals from Neymar and Luis Suarez.

   That deadly duo will continue in attack, while Claudio Bravo replaces Ter Stegen in goal and Gerard Pique, rested in midweek, will also be back in central defense.

   It has also been a difficult week for Real Madrid with rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo preparing a possible move to Paris Saint Germain and Karim Benzema spending a night in the cells of a Paris police station amid allegations of his involvement in a blackmail plot against French international Mathieu Valbuena.

   While it looks as if Benzema will face charges over the case, he has recovered from his muscle injury and could return against Sevilla, while Ronaldo is certain to start.

   Meanwhile, James Rodriguez should be back, and Gareth Bale is also available after recovering from his calf injury, although he is unlikely to play from the start given his long-standing calf problems.

   Sevilla, meanwhile, have extended the contract of in-demand Polish midfielder Grzegorz Krychoviak and will be looking to give their fans something to cheer after a 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City, which all but ended their chances of making the last 16 of the Champions League. Endi