Most watched rival game in football is back! Real Madrid host arch-rivals Barcelona at Bernabéu in a hotly anticipated cup game (El Clasico). Last time when these two giants met each other, both Ronaldo and Messi were in electrifying form as they scored two each to share the spoils in the league game.
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is under pressure to deliver results after lagging behind in La Liga title race. Mourinho’s spell at Madrid could may literally end if they suffer any heavy defeat to Barcelona.
Let the battle beginTeam News
Barcelona have no big injuries to worry about. But their coach Tito Vilanova will miss the game as he travels to USA to undergo further treatment. Cristian Tello is the only notable absentee who failed to make the 19-man squad.
Real Madrid’s selection headache continues as they miss their captain Iker Casillas (broken hand) and star defender Pepe (ankle). Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria are also suspended for the game.
Tactics
It will be a game where both Ronaldo and Messi will try to outplay each other. Barcelona will travel to the capital with their trademark conservative Tika-Taka approach. Midfield battle will the key deciding factor in this fixture. Madrid will go with two defensive midfielders Alonso and Khedira to stop Barca’s flowing passing game. We can expect lot of fouls and stoppages as Madrid will play a physical game. Overall an intense game waiting for all the fans and neutrals.
Flash Back
FC Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid – 7th October 2012 – La Liga
A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi made both the team take one point each in the league game.
Form
Barcelona: WWDLWW
Real Madrid: WDWWDW
Expected Line-up
Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto; Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Fàbregas; Pedro, Messi. Iniesta
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Adan; Arbeloa, Varane, Albiol, Marcelo; Khedira, Alonso; Callejon, Ozil, Ronaldo; Benzema
Match Prediction
Barcelona to take advantage of Real Madrid’s selection worries. Real Madrid 1 – Barcelona 2!