It’s El Classico: Real Madrid v Barca

Friday, 09/12/2011

by Ash Dye

Saturday night will see the first ‘El Clasico’ of the season, and although these encounters always grab the world’s attention, this one has raised even more interest than in previous years.

With Real Madrid sitting three points clear of Barca, with a game in hand, Barca travel to the Bernabeu as underdogs, and when was the last time you heard that about the greatest club side of the 21st Century?

Madrid have suffered just one defeat in 18 matches in all competitions, and go into this La Liga game on the back of 3-0 victory in Amsterdam, a result which made them the first team since 2002-03 to win all six group matches of the Champions League, Barcelona being the last side to pull off the magnificent achievement.

Real have found a new style this season, a complete new level compared to last season when they were blown away by Pep Guardiola’s men in all departments. They have found a new mental strength, and seem to be replicating Barca’s controlling of a game much more often. And with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso dictating games at his pace, Madrid now have a genuine chance of winning on Saturday night.

However, let’s not forget, this is Barcelona we’re talking about. Yes, they have struggled to hit the very top at times this year, but will Madrid’s selection fall straight into Barca’s hands?

Jose Mourinho is likely to start Sergio Ramos alongside Pepe, instead of ex-Chelsea man Ricardo Carvalho, to give him the safety net of pace in his centre halves. However, the vast majority of Barcelona’s attacks come around the penalty area, and rarely do they look for the defence splitting ball for a forward to sprint on to.

Barcelona will go with width in Madrid, with Villa and Pedro likely to start alongside the unbelievable Lionel Messi. And with Xavi making his 600th appearance for the Catalans in Madrid, the scene could never be better for the little maestro to pull the strings from midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a huge talent, but his major critic is the failure to produce the goods on the big stage and in recent years has been outclassed by Messi, and this year will be no different.

The style of Madrid’s defensive structure will allow Messi the pockets of space he relishes upon and the number 10 magician will be looking for more goals to add to his 23 in all competitions.

So the stage is set, the lights are on and the crowd are in their seats. Get ready for another chapter in the Real vs. Barca legacy. Get set for another episode of Messi vs. Ronaldo. Hold your breath for another Guardiola v Mourinho encounter.

There is only one game with such a huge following, only one match that ignites every football fan’s passion for the game, only one El Clasico.

• 

• Have your say