A match whose history goes beyond the pitch.
A match whose rivalry has its origins in political idealism.
A match between two of the biggest teams in the world – Real Madrid, known as Los Galácticos; home of some of the biggest stars of world football up against FC Barcelona, regarded as one of the most feared opponents in today’s game.
A match well worthy of being called a classic.
It’s the return of El Clásico as Barça host the Los Blancos at Camp Nou this Monday and Pep Guardiola will be looking for a win since his side is a point behind Mourinho’s team, who on the other hand will be content with a draw.
Probable Starting Lineups
FC Barcelona | Real Madrid |
Víctor Valdés | Iker Casillas |
Daniel Alves | Sergio Ramos |
Gerard Piqué | Ricardo Carvalho |
Carles Puyol | Pepe |
Maxwell | Marcelo |
Sergio Busquets | Xabi Alonso |
Andrés Iniesta | Lassana Diarra |
Xavi Hernández | Sami Khedira |
Lionel Messi | Mesut Özil |
Pedro Rodríguez | Cristiano Ronaldo |
David Villa | Gonzalo Higuaín |
Key Battles
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Dani Alves
18 goals in 19 games, it’s hard to admit but Cristiano Ronaldo has further improved since his transfer from Manchester United. After scintillating displays in the international friendly against Spain, against Athletic Bilbao in the weekend and then against Ajax in Champions League, he is clearly Real’s man of the moment. Dani Alves has pace himself but he will always have to keep a check if he wishes to contain the dazzling speedster from Portugal.
Higuaín/Benzema vs Puyol+Piqué
The Argentinian Goal Machine will have a tough nut to crack in Monday’s encounter, considering the fact that it is the same partnership that did not give away a single goal in Spain’s knockout stage matches in the World Cup. But time and again, he has proved himself with good positioning in the box and great powerful drives. And with support from the likes of Xabi Alonso – who with his pinpoint aerial passing can provide the strikers up front with beautiful chances, the Spanish pair of Puyol and Piqué will have to be alert and powerful in the air and on the ground.
He may be substituted later in the match by Frenchman Karim Benzema who has had two beautiful performances recently, scoring against England in the friendly and then doing the same in the midweek 4-0 thrashing of Dutch side Ajax with a brilliantly placed shot.
Özil/di María vs Maxwell
After an inspiring display in the World Cup for Germany, Mesut Özil was signed on from Werder Bremen and has proved mettle for the Spanish giants. With Turkish technique and German discipline, the Brazilian Maxwell will surely have to be at his best.
Also, if he steps up to take any dead-ball situation within 25 metres of goal, Valdes will have to be on his toes especially after what he did against Atlético Madrid.
Jose Mourinho may use Ángel di María later in the match, who loves skipping past defenders something that is clearly stated by his nickname Fideo – the Spanish word for noodle.
Iniesta+Xavi+Busquets vs Khedira+Xabi+Diarra
Any football match is decided in midfield and a big encounter such as this needs a very strong one indeed. The partnership of Iniesta and Xavi is undoubtedly the best in the business and that combined with young Busquets’ holding capabilities makes it a very formidable one. Xavi was very instrumental in the last El Clásico, providing assists for both of Barcelona’s goals and so Khedira and Diarra will have to be perfect in their holding duties for Real Madrid while Xabi Alonso will be pulling the strings ahead of them.
Messi vs Marcelo/Arbeloa
Lionel Messi needs no introduction. Top scorer in the league last season and hailed as the next Maradona – who himself declared him as his successor; the Ballon d’Or winner has a knack for ripping apart defences. With 23 goals already to his name this season, the Brazilian youngster Marcelo will need help from Lassana Diarra if Real wish to contain this Argentinian wizard.
Villa vs Carvalho+Pepe
Clearly one of the premier strikers in today’s game, David Villa is a force to be reckoned with. With deadly off-the-ball runs and immense power and accuracy in his shots, Carvalho and Pepe will have to be fast and precise and if they do slip up, Casillas will need to be extremely wary of his compatriot if he even gets the slightest opportunity to shoot on goal.
It has been the perfect build-up to the match with both the teams at their best, scoring a cumulative of 20 goals in their last two games. The only major player missing is Kaká, who is injured since the beginning of the season.
All the players are pumped up for the match; Cristiano Ronaldo making an open challenge to Guardiola’s men in his latest interview by saying, “Let's see if Barcelona can score eight goals next Monday.” Xavi wasn’t one to back down and he openly stated, “They (Real) are doing things very well and that stimulates us. But we won’t get into a war of words with (José) Mourinho. We want a war on the pitch.”
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| Mourinho has a point to prove if he wishes to retain his self-proclaimed title |
All those living in India, tune your TV sets to Ten Action+ on 30 November 1:30 AM to catch the live coverage.
Also do vote in the poll in the right hand side column.
Got bored reading? Here, enjoy the highlights of Barça and Real's routs of their respective opponents in both La Liga and Champions League.
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