MADRID (Reuters) -Real Madrid host Barcelona in this weekend's eagerly anticipated El Clasico with Madrid coach Xabi Alonso still searching for his best team while both sides grapple with a mounting injury crisis that has left them severely depleted.

Former Real midfielder Alonso faces his first Clasico after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who departed for Brazil's national team in May following a trophyless campaign in which Barcelona dominated their rivals with four wins from four meetings.