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On the evening of November 25, Real Madrid hosted Zurich at the Bernabéu Stadium and narrowly won 1–0 thanks to Higuaín's goal. They secured top spot in the group one round early and advanced smoothly to the Round of 16.

Real Madrid became the earliest team in this season's Champions League to qualify ahead of schedule, while also ranking among the most prolific attacking teams in the group stage.

Benitez once again defended his reputation as the Cup King, while Yang Yang, with four goals and three assists, became the outstanding player of the group stage.

Meanwhile, Barcelona hosted Inter Milan at Camp Nou and defeated them 2–0 with goals from Pique and Pedro, gaining the upper hand in the battle for top spot in the group.

Although the two La Liga giants faced very different circumstances, these two midweek clashes were both regarded as preludes to El Clásico, essentially representing the current state of the two teams.

Against Zurich, Benitez fielded a reserve lineup. Several players, including Yang Yang, Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Robben, Xabi Alonso, and Mascherano, did not play, and some were not even included in the squad. This showed just how determined Benitez was.

Real Madrid was conserving its strength and waiting quietly for the upcoming El Clásico.

All the fans were eagerly anticipating this clash as well. In the thirty-fourth round of last season, Barcelona had thrashed Real Madrid 6–2 at the Bernabéu Stadium, leaving everyone at the Galácticos deeply ashamed.

This summer, Real Madrid had returned in force, bringing in several top superstars, including Yang Yang. The team's strength had risen sharply, and everyone hoped they could avenge last season's defeat at Camp Nou.

Barcelona's situation was not as favorable as Real Madrid's. Although Guardiola had rested his core star Messi against Inter Milan, many key