El Clasico 2012: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info for Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

Real Madrid and Barcelona will battle in the latest edition of El Clasico on Saturday as the Blancos attempt to defend their four-point La Liga lead with five games to go. It won't be easy, however, as Barca has only lost once to their rivals since Pep Guardiola took over.

Madrid will be looking to end a three-year streak of second-place finishes in La Liga with Barcelona claiming the title each time. They lead the league in goals scored at more than three per match and haven't dropped a league match since early December.

Earlier in the season it looked liked the Blancos might run away with championship, but the Blaugrana have been on a hot streak of their own to give themselves a chance. They can't afford anything less than three points on Saturday in order to have a chance, though.

Where: Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain

When: Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. ET

Watch: GolTV, ESPN Deportes and ESPN3.com

Betting Odds: Barcelona -150, Real Madrid +370, Draw +275

Player to Watch for Real Madrid: Mesut Ozil

The attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema tend to steal the headlines and spotlight, but their dominance wouldn't be possible without the continued emergence of Ozil as one of the world's elite playmakers.

He has tallied 19 assists in 39 games across all competitions this season, including 15 in La Liga play. That's enough to lead Madrid, which also features big-names stars like Xabi Alonso and Kaka in the midfield. Ozil has outplayed them all this season.

The 23-year-old German star only has one goal and no assists in three games against Barcelona this season. If the Blancos are going to walk out of Camp Nou with at least one point, he'll need to showcase a lot more effectiveness than that.

Player to Watch for Barcelona: Victor Valdes

Normally one of those most reliable goalkeepers in Europe, Valdes should have done more to stop Didier Drogba's goal in the team's surprising Champions League loss on Wednesday. He can't afford to allow any softies against Real Madrid.

Even though a keeper relies heavily on his defense to limit the number of scoring chances, in El Clasico clashes there are always a couple times when a player breaks free. It's on those handful of opportunities that Valdes must rise to the occasion.

The most important thing will be staying alert every time Ronaldo touches the ball. He's proven time and again that he's willing to unleash a shot from anywhere, yet some goalkeepers still get caught off balance. Valdes should have played him enough to know better by now.

Key Matchup: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi

Ronaldo and Messi are tied for the league lead in goals at 41, so you know both guys would love nothing more than to gain an edge while the other player watches. Not to mention, they are the two most dynamic offensive players on the planet.

Both stars are coming off scoreless performance in their respective Champions League fixtures, and they rarely go two straight games without finding the net. Ronaldo's last such streak came in early January, and Messi's was in early February.

These teams are about as evenly matched as possible. That means Ronaldo and Messi both have a chance to steal the game of their squad with a single shot.

What They're Saying

There has been some talk that all of the heated rivalry games between Madrid and Barca, which could include a Champions League final, will have a negative effect on the Spanish national team. But manager Vicente del Bosque doesn't think it'll be a problem, according to ESPN.

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"We must enjoy this moment, because there are five Spanish clubs in the semi-finals of European competitions and the national team has nothing to do with that," Del Bosque said. "Whatever happens will have no repercussions in the national team.

"We want a Champions League final between Madrid and Barca, because that will not damage the national team, because we know that some will win, and some will lose. The players are prepared for that."

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Prediction

Barcelona 2, Real Madrid 2