Barca & Real Madrid to stay in same hotel ahead of El Clasico

Amid security concerns in Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde's men will meet up at the Hotel Princesa Sofía - where Madrid will also be based - on the day of the clash.

Amid security concerns surrounding this week's Clásico at the Camp Nou, Barcelona are to spend the hours leading up to the game at a hotel by the stadium - one in which opponents Real Madrid will also be staying.

Protests are expected in Barcelona ahead of Thursday evening's rearranged fixture, which was postponed from its original date of 26 October after unrest in the city in the wake of the jailing of nine Catalan separatist leaders.

Barcelona to meet at Hotel Princesa Sofía on day of game

In a bid to avoid being caught up in or delayed by any incidents, the Barça squad will, on the advice of the club's security staff, meet at the five-star Hotel Princesa Sofía - located just 500 metres from the Camp Nou - at 12:30 CET on the day of the game.

Ernesto Valverde's men will have lunch there before resting in their rooms until around 18:00, when they will travel the short distance to the stadium for the 20:00 kick-off.