Barcelona will entertain arch-rivals Real Madrid on Monday in what could turn out to be a season-defining fixture. La Liga has been dominated by these two teams in recent history, and it is because of that fact that these two possess the strongest squads in Spain and arguably Europe. El Clasico has historically been one of the most entertaining encounters and is followed all over the world with avid interest.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been in good form leading to this encounter, and they will fancy their chances to gain the bragging rights for the rest of the season till the return fixture at the Bernabeut. Barcelona will be the favourite going into the contest considering both their recent success against Los Blancos and their home advantage. They have strengthened their team in the summer with the acquisition of the impressive David Villa, the versatile Adriano and the hard-working Javier Masherano.
Real Madrid brought in Champions League winning Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho, and he has been calling the shots at Madrid. He has signed some young, talented players like Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon, in addition to bolstering their defence with the addition of the experienced Ricardo Carvalho who had played under Mourinho for Porto and Chelsea before rejoining him in Spain.
Mourinho has made Real Madrid into a compact unit, which also has the flair and ability to create a number of chances in a game. They have conceded very few goals in the league and have qualified with ease for the next stage of the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain have been prolific and have helped the team to lead the table ahead of El Clasizo.
Barcelona made an uncharacteristically slow start to their season, which included a surprise loss to Hercules at home and a draw against Mallorca. But they have since been in excellent form and have conquered many of their opponents with ease, showcasing their true potential in huge wins against Sevilla and Almeria. With winners like Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez in their ranks, they will feel confident when they play in front of their huge home crowd on Monday.
The game will see some of the best players involved in many interesting duels, and both managers will try to implement the best tactics for their side to conquer this important fixture.
I. Ronaldo vs Daniel Alves and Gerad Pique
Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as Real Madrid's main goal scorer for the second successive season at Madrid, and he will have to shoulder the responsibility of creating opportunities for Los Blancos. He has been in scintillating form this season, having notched 14 goals in the league alone, and is in the running for the Pichichi trophy. He has got pace, power and the creativity to trouble any defence in the world. He arrives at the Camp Nou on the back of a string of impressive performances for Los Merengues.
He is expected to play on the left flank and test Victor Valdes with fizzing shots after cutting in from the flank. Daniel Alves, the right back, will have a tough task to keep Ronaldo quiet and must be cautious of Real Madrid's pace on the counter attacks. He should not get out of position when he is up against a player of Ronaldo's class and should be provided with enough support by Gerard Pique. Pique is one of the coolest defenders on the planet and does not look hurried on the ball, but he must be on hand to cover for Alves and prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from inflicting any damage.
II. Lionel Messi vs Marcelo dan Ricardo Carvalho
III. David Villa vs Pepe dan Ricardo Carvalho
IV. Gonzalo Higuain vs Carles Puyol dan Gerard Pique
V. Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta vs. Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira
VI. Mesut Ozil vs. Sergio Busquets
VII. Iker Casillas vs. Victor Valdes
VIII. Jose Mourinho vs. Pep Guardiola
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