Barcelona come into tie atop the table with Real Madrid sitting second, and, depending on the result, could confirm their status as champions come the full-time whistle.
They may fancy their chances against this crisis-stricken Real, whose camp has been struck by behind-the-scenes turmoil.
But Real must put the off-pitch dramatics to one side as they look to deny their greatest rivals the chance to secure a 29th La Liga title.
La Liga permutations: How Barcelona can clinch title in El Clasico
Barcelona come into this Clasico atop the La Liga standings with 88 points, 11 clear of second-placed Real Madrid, with four matches left to play.
A win in this match, then, would take them 14 points clear with three matches left to play.
Thus, a win for Barcelona in El Clasico will confirm their status as La Liga champions.
A draw would leave Barcelona 11 points clear with three matches still to play, and would not be sufficient to confirm the title.
A win for Real Madrid, of course, would delay Barcelona’s title celebrations for at least another week.