When FC Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns in Sunday’s El Clasico, it will be another step forward for both teams in La Liga race.
The UCL has settled down to last 4 and La Liga enters the last phase as the title race still continues. And it will be well decided in El Clasico as it could prove to be one of the best El Clasico in recent times. The stage has been set and the mind game has already started. But it will be another exciting and thrilling game when these 2 will take the field. Barcelona has been struggling lately in the season. Meanwhile Real’s dream run in 2 competitions is on as both teams prepare for El Clasico.
But when it comes down to one of the biggest game of football, it doesn’t matter. The teams with stars at their disposal will take on each other at Bernabeu to prove their authority. In recent years, this game has not just been another game to win but the rivalry to prove superiority. This might be another masterpiece in store as it could well change the way the clubs head in near future.
Let’s have a look at FC Barcelona who is not in the best shape at the moment, just knocked out of UCL by Juventus. The team has been surely going through a transformation with players like Alves and Xavi bidding goodbye. They are 2nd in the league behind Madrid who has a game in hand. A team who has lately seen to be over dependent on MSN will have a test of fire on Sunday. With Neymar suspended, it will be another setback for a team who is already struggling. But when comes the bigger stage, Barca knows how to turn the tides and win crucial games.
While Messi hasn’t scored in last 6 El Clasicos, this is the time when he can actually come to the party. He has been leading the race for Pichichi with 29 goals in 28 games. He also has 56% efficiency in front of goal. Messi is looking in best touch this season and can cause upset for Real. Suarez who has 24 goals to his name has supported Messi but has struggled in recent games. But even with the magical no.10 in the superb form, they have struggled this season due to the lack in form as a team. Their backup hasn’t sparked anything even though they invested heavily in summer except Samuel Umtiti.
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Their midfield and defense have been shaky and every team has taken advantage of that. With Neymar who has been a standout performer in recent games out of El Clasico, they need to find solutions as soon as possible. Iniesta has shown some moments of magic this season but they are limited. With Busquets again looking in best touch, it will a positive thing in already struggling midfield. But with the star-studded lineup and a big game such as El Clasico, no one can rule out Catalans. This team has a point to prove and they will play their heart out to make a statement. Also, this will be last El Clasico for Lucho so he will be hoping to end it on a high note as Barca coach.
Speaking about the host, Real Madrid is chasing 2nd straight UCL championship and are at the top of the league. Winning El Clasico well might end the La Liga race as they will head clear with 6 points to Catalans. They are on a dream run and looking well-shaped with their backups providing them a real advantage. Unlike Barca, they have certainly been enjoying a very balanced team with each player having competition for starting spot. With the likes of Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro the midfield ticks all the right areas.
Even though their defense hasn’t been best but with both full backs in ominous touch, they are good overall. Ronaldo hasn’t been in best of his form but has been crucial in big games and proved it again last week. With the likes of Vazquez, Asensio, Kovacic, James and Morata as backup Zidane has everything to rely on.
The injury concerns to Bale has been a worry but he might play El Clasico as things stand. And if he doesn’t, Madrid have Isco who has found new wings to his game. From being a boyhood Barcelona fan to be linked as Barca target this summer, Isco has seen it all. He will be well watched by both teams and will try to prove his point for both. With the strong bench, Zidane might come with another plan to replace Bale if Isco is not his 1st preference for that position. Real are high on confidence and will look to strengthen their position in front of the home fans. Even though Ronaldo has scored 19 goals this season, he has been on target 3 times in last 6 El Clasicos.
To sum up, no one can predict the outcome of such game even though Real looks more balanced going into this very game. El Clasico has always been the decisive chapter in every competition. Last year, Madrid’s 2-1 win at Camp Nou ended Barcelona’s 39-game unbeaten streak followed by shock exit from CL. This fact will be on the mind of Zidane as he can relate things with his team on another side of the bridge this season. Barca will look back at 4-0 riot without Messi at Bernabeu and will hope to repeat the show again.
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A game which has no of things at stake certainly loves to have winners and losers and very few draws to mention. Barca will come into this game fearless as they have nothing to lose and will try to take advantage of that. Madrid has a very rare chance to win La Liga this term after winning just 1 in last 8 years. Two big teams in Europe with the stage set to explore will not keep any page unturned. El Clasico has always been vital and this is more so. It might be the start of new era of dominance. Even though Real has been favorite for many, I will go with a 1-1 draw as it will a fierce contest in Spanish Capital.