Tonight in Spain is the first El Clasico of the La Liga season with Barcelona hosting Real Madrid, but under new conditions. Cristiano Ronaldo left Real for Juventus this summer and Los Blancos' new coach Julen Lopetegui's job could be on the line in this match. Barcelona are still led by Lionel Messi, but he's out with a broken arm, however, the title holders still looked sharp in their win over Inter Milan midweek in the Champions League. Al Goodman reports from Madrid.

In Real Madrid's final training before the Clasico on Sunday, plenty of familiar faces on the field. But not Cristiano Ronaldo.

He was sold to Italy's Juventus last summer, after leading Real Madrid to a record three-straight Champions League trophies.

And in Barcelona, where the two arch rivals will meet, the final practice also seems to have just about everyone. But not Lionel Messi.

He broke his arm in a league match against Seville last weekend. So it's going to be a different kind of Clasico.

AL GOODMAN MADRID "It's the first Clasico in 11 years without Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, usually both, on the field for Real Madrid and Barcelona. And that's just the biggest problem for these teams, which did not start this season well."

Real Madrid have struggled more, under new coach Julen Lopetegui. They've already lost three matches in the Spanish league, and are four points behind Barcelona. Speculation is fierce the Clasico could be Lopetegui's last game for Real Madrid.

JULEN LOPETEGUI REAL MADRID COACH "Is there life for me after this game? Yes, I hope to keep breathing. Look, I'm giving 100 percent to help Real Madrid have a great game Sunday."

But this veteran Spanish sports reporter says Lopetegui has practically everything riding on the Clasico.

MIGUEL ANGEL DIAZ SPANISH RADIO SPORTS REPORTER "If he loses, I think he's out. Because that would put the League title at risk, with a 7 point advantage to Barcelona. And 6 Real Madrid losses in 14 matches."

Barcelona lost to lowly Leganes in league play last month but looked strong this week beating Inter of Milan in the Champions League, without Messi. Coach Ernesto Valverde says they've got a "mental edge" for the Clasico.

ERNESTO VALVERDE BARCELONA COACH "Before Cristiano Ronaldo and before Messi, the Clasico existed. There were great players and a lot of tension. The Clasico is always the Clasico."

In this edition, analysts say Real Madrid needs goals and a tighter defense. Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale have so far not made up for Cristiano Ronaldo's goal count.

The betting houses list Barcelona as the favorite in this Clasico. But without Messi, the oddsmakers also say it's not such a sure bet. Al Goodman, CGTN, Madrid.