No, this is not an article about two underrated, second tier teams. As a matter of fact, these teams are considered by many as the best of their generation or even the best teams to have ever been assembled. Yes, I am referring to the Knights of FC Barcelona and the Cavaliers of Real Madrid CF.
Right until December, FC Barcelona were leading a steady charge towards yet another trophy laden season. Real Madrid, who unfortunately, were ousted from the title race a little too soon, were channelling all their vivacity into the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey. Come January, and their respective impetuses stayed pretty much on track except for a minor loss here and a draw there. Then came February. Who knew that this month would turn out to be one of the most tumultuous ones for both sides?
Tonight’s Clasico comes at a time when the world has seen Real Madrid gruel out a 1-1 draw against Manchester United two weeks ago while Barcelona succumbed 2-0 to a resurgent AC Milan side. And with both sides having carved out 2-1 wins at the weekend against less fancied opposition in the league, both clubs seem to have lost the form and the ‘stand-out-spark’ that they are known for. With yet another Clasico coming up later this week in the league, this fixture has brought the respective teams’ seasons to a turning point. Whoever wins this fixture might yet go on to have a wonderful season while disappointment awaits the losers.
What both sides need to do to push for the jugular-
Real Madrid– With their famed counter-attack combined with their lightning-bolt like pace, they have often terrorized even the best of teams. FC Barcelona too, aren’t strangers to their style of play due to their numerous clashes with Jose Mourinho’s men in the recent past and have found this very difficult to cope with. With possession against Barcelona coming very infrequently and sparsely, Madrid need to make the most out of the limited chances or build- up’s they can create and need to capitalize on the counter. Set-pieces too can be pivotal as Barcelona have been known to fumble whilst dealing with aerial threats. A well-structured defence along with a deadly, non-forgiving attack would surely aid to Barcelona’s ruin.
Suggested XI– Cassilas/Alves, Coentrao, Pepe, Ramos, Varane, Alonso, Khedira, Kaka, Ozil, Ronaldo, Benzema.
Key Player– Look out for Raphael Varane to sparkle again in defence. The French youngster put in a stellar performance in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey.
Dark Horse– Look for Kaka to make a rare start following his positive performance over the weekend. He has the calibre to be a game changer.
Barcelona-Their possession based ‘tiki-taka’ brand of football has been a marvel for years now. They dominate possession in every game they play. Yet, as has been seen in recent games, their attacking potency drops to a low every time the threat posed by Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta is quelled by the opposition. They will look to start with the same side which lost against Milan albeit with a few changes here and there, because it seems like their strongest XI on paper. Their defence has been really shaky this season, and against a team like Madrid which boasts of attacking minded players like Ronaldo and Benzema, the defence will have to be totally disciplined all night long. Gerard Pique, especially will need to be at the top of his game at the centre of defence. Giving Christian Tello a chance over the faltering Alexis Sanchez won’t hurt either.
Suggested XI-Valdes, Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta/Fabregas, Tello, Messi, Pedro.
Key Player– Look out for Andres Iniesta to govern midfield and terrorize the likes of Pepe and co. all evening long.
Dark Horse– Look for David Villa to start or come off the bench to provide a magical touch to the night.
Overall, despite their recent shortcomings, these two teams remain to be the best in the world and nothing seems to separate them in terms of quality. In the end, the team that capitalizes on most of their chances will emerge victorious.
