Soccer-Barcelona make case for the defence ahead of Real Madrid showdown

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Copa del Rey - Semi Final - First Leg - Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - March 2, 2023 FC Barcelona's Marcos Alonso in action with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona's rock-solid defence will be put to the test as they look to take a big step closer to a first league title in four years with victory over rivals Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in El Clasico on Sunday.

Barca, who hold a nine-point advantage over their rivals at the top of the table, have won 21 of their 25 matches this season, losing only one of their last 16 games.