Beyond Stats and Mediacoach unveil key ELCLÁSICO metrics

ELCLÁSICO is approaching, the match that captures the interest of football fans around the globe. The team of analysts at Mediacoach, LALIGA’s advanced statistics platform, have analysed the state of both teams to highlight the key factors that could make the difference this Saturday (DAZN LALIGA, 9:00 PM). Mediacoach collects over 3.5 million data points per match thanks to the 16 optical tracking cameras and 3 tactical cameras in each LALIGA stadium. Some of its technical services utilise Machine Learning and Microsoft Azure artificial intelligence technologies, such as the developments in the Beyond Stats project.

ELCLÁSICO is considered one of the world's greatest spectacles that keeps a potential audience of more than 650 million spectators in suspense and best represents THE POWER OF OUR FÚTBOL. This time, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu will host the encounter where the two teams will measure their strength: FC Barcelona are trying to distance themselves from Real Madrid and gain some comfort in the championship, while Carlo Ancelotti's side will strive to go level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table.

In terms of the attacking phase, the biggest difference between the two teams lies in their ability to convert chances into goals. FC Barcelona arrive at ELCLÁSICO with the best chance conversion rate in the LALIGA. Statistics show that the Catalan team need five shots to score a goal, compared to the eight shots required by Real Madrid.

These stats are also evident on an individual level. The 12 goals already scored by Robert Lewandowski are double those of Kylian Mbappé, despite having had fewer shots than the Frenchman. The Polish player's accuracy means that 30% of his shots end up in the back of the net, compared to 14% for the Frenchman.

In terms of style, they’re the most dominant teams with the ball in the competition, ranking in LALIGA's TOP 3 in terms of possession ratio, initiative of play, passes per possession and pace of play.

Defensively, the main difference lies in the ability to win the ball back quickly. Real Madrid are 8th in the ranking for ball recovery rate, compared to the first position held by FC Barcelona, who are recovering the ball much closer to the opponent's goal and much faster. This allows Los Culés to be the team in LALIGA that concedes the fewest shots. Conversely, Real Madrid have established themselves as the team blocking the highest percentage of shots (leading this metric in the competition compared to FCB’s 13th place) and averaging more saves than Hansi Flick's side, who are 16th in this regard.

When it comes to game systems and positional aspects, both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are high-pressing teams; they are 2nd and 1st in the league in terms of block height and defensive line height, respectively. The difference lies in the depth of their block: FC Barcelona attack very compactly, well-prepared to press the moment after losing the ball, while Real Madrid are one of the most stretched teams in the league, more accustomed to exploiting space and attacking from deep with their forwards.

Focusing on context and goal types, Real Madrid have conceded 6 of their 7 goals in the second half of matches. In fact, 3 of those 4 goals were conceded after the 75th minute, making them the team with the highest percentage of goals conceded during the second half in the competition. In terms of scoring, a similar pattern occurs, as they’ve scored 16 of their 21 goals in the second half, ranking them second in LALIGA in terms of  percentage of goals scored in the second half.

FC Barcelona have only been in a losing position in 30% of their games. Moreover, in all those where they took the lead, they ended up winning. Real Madrid haven't managed their leads as effectively, having won only six of the eight matches in which they went ahead.

Looking at individual players, Mbappé is the player with the most shots in LALIGA. However, it’s Lewandowski who has the most shots on target in the competition, with the Frenchman in second place. Mbappé is also the fourth-highest dribbler in LALIGA and is in the TOP 5 for high-impact actions. Meanwhile, Fede Valverde is the top ball recoverer in LALIGA overall, as well as in the opposition half specifically. For midfielders, the Uruguayan is also ranked second in LALIGA when it comes to shots on goal and first for shots on target. Rodrygo and Vinicius are among the TOP 3 players in LALIGA for passes in the final third, while Valverde and Mbappé are in the TOP 10.

For FC Barcelona, Raphinha is the player with the most high-impact actions in LALIGA. The Brazilian leads with the most assists and is the third most prolific crosser in the competition. Behind Mbappé and Lewandowski, he’s third in both shots and shots on target in LALIGA and has directly contributed to 9 goals (5 goals + 4 assists). Lamine Yamal is the top assist man in LALIGA with 6 assists, having been involved in 10 goals, already matching last season’s tally. He's the 2nd highest dribbler behind Chidera Ejuke and is TOP 3 for assists.

The spectacle of ELCLÁSICO is one of the greatest expressions of the Power of Our Fútbol and is showcased to the world thanks to a unique broadcasting operation unparalleled globally. It will be enhanced with up to 37 cameras, providing viewers with extraordinary shots, including 7 super slow-motion cameras, highlighting two for tracking key players from each team, two polecams behind the goals and 2 cinematic cameras with super slow motion replays, exclusive to LALIGA and MEDIAPRO. Multi-camera feeds, artificial intelligence applied to data, cutting-edge audiovisual production, and state-of-the-art augmented reality graphics make this match the ultimate television experience for fans across the globe. In Spain, it can be viewed on DAZN with pre-match coverage starting at 7:00 PM.

A unique ball for a unique match

For the third consecutive match, ELCLÁSICO will feature its own visual identity, highlighting the grandeur of the occasion. In it, the players with the best LALIGA EA SPORTS metrics this season face off once again, doing so with the best possible ball. PUMA has launched a special edition match ball, as it did last year, which Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will use this coming Saturday.