FC BARCELONA
v
REAL MADRID
Camp Nou, Barcelona
October 7, 2012; 19:50 hrs, CET
***
Finally it’s time. El Clasico yet again.
This time these two teams will fight, perhaps to decide to fate of the
league at a point sooner than ever before. FC Barcelona currently hold
an eight-point advantage over their arch rivals. It’s not rocket science
that anything apart from a win for Real Madrid will mean an uphill task
for them to overturn the deficit – this keeping in mind that an
eight-point lead, although well-nigh insurmountable, is quite the kind
of challenge Jose Mourinho and his team might relish.
Team News And Tactical Brief
FC Barcelona
More than a game. That’s what it is for Barcelona. With the influential captain
Carles Puyol
ruled out, it’s advantage-Madrid as of now. With Puyol out, Barcelona
have just Pique as the sole recognized centreback. But he’s also
recovering from a foot injury and has been left out by Vincente Del
Bosque from Spain’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers. The defender has
reportedly made his desire known to play on Sunday through the
pain-barrier,
but that looks unlikely, leaving Vilanova with Song-Mascherano as the
only defensive pairing. Jordi Alba and Alves should be available on
either flank with Adriano making a cameo later into the match.
Vilanova has a steady team, save for his
defense. Midfield is one area where the new manager might just have a
little worry in the absence of Andres Iniesta. The European Player of
the Year, might feature for some part of the game. Fabregas has been
decent in the last few games and Vilanova might start him against Real
Madrid. This should also allow the manager to accommodate Iniesta in the
three-pronged attack with Leo and Pedro, in the event of Alexis’ poor
form. Xavi and Busquets are expected to perform their duties in the
midfield. The latter perhaps will have to drop a bit deep in order to
provide cover to the fragile defense against the inevitable onslaught
from Ronaldo and co.
Up front, Lionel Messi is expected to be
partnered by Pedro. Vilanova has the option to use Alexis, who could
use his pace to stretch the Madrid defense. Iniesta, with his immaculate
close-control and movement has the potential to unlock the Madrid
defense, but his recent injury might not allow Vilanova to risk him at
such an early phase of the season, especially against a defense
as physical as Real Madrid’s. David Villa too has made a comeback from a
serious injury and might play a part in this game. This leaves the
inexperienced but talented Tello to start with. Guardiola gave the
youngster a crucial start in the match against Real Madrid last season,
at home. However, it’s conceivable that Tello has grown as an individual
ever since and will be more decisive if he gets to play a part in this
clash.
The most crucial aspect of this match is
perhaps going to be the pressure on Victor Valdes to pull off an
immaculate performance. Despite some astounding and decisive saves, a
few glaring mistakes from the Barca custodian have gifted goals and even
a match to their arch-rivals on more than one occasion. This is one
chance to salvage some pride for Valdes.
FC Barcelona Probable Line-Up (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Song, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Cesc; Messi, Pedro, Tello.
Real Madrid
Not many managers will want to be in
this position. Eight points adrift of the league leaders, who are
incidentally one of the best teams in history and facing them in a game
away from home. But be not overwhelmed. The man in question is Jose
Mourinho – a man who has proved his detractors before, and the team is
Real Madrid who according to their fans –
don’t just play; they inspire!
Champions rise to the occasion and this is perhaps the best possible
platform for Jose Mourinho and his men to prove their mettle against
their biggest adversary. The injury list at the Camp Nou is too big to
be inconsequential and that puts the visitors in the driver’s seat.
The squad at Jose Mourinho’s disposal is
bursting at the seams. One of the finest goalkeepers of all times,
coupled with a strong and disciplined defense, followed by a midfield
comprising superstars and Cristiano Ronaldo – fairytale stuff indeed!
Their current situation might not be the best of positions to be in but
even the finest of machines need time for the gears to get into groove.
The defense should consist of Arbeloa at
the right, Pepe and Ramos in the centre and Coentrao at the left.
Marcelo might just miss out because of late Jose Mourinho has preferred
the more physical Coentrao in the matches against Barcelona. This
defense is as good as it gets and Barcelona will have to work their
magic to unlock it. Leo and co. have done so in the past and will need
to leave Madrid reeling early, if Barcelona are to have a chance.
In midfield, Jose Mourinho is spoilt for
choice. And more importantly – Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite is
back. Kaka is always an extremely difficult proposition when he’s
playing against you and an extremely reliable one to be playing for you.
Very rarely does the Brazilian disappoint and he’s all the more
threatening when the opposition’s ranks are decimated with injury. With
Ronaldo too hitting top gear,
the Clasico has indeed come at the right time for Real Madrid. Iker
Casillas has often regarded Xavi as the one player he’d love to have in
his team when playing against Barcelona and if the Madrid midfield
comprising Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria et al, can shut out the Barca
maestro, then Real Madrid stand a very realistic chance of beating
Barcelona at home.
An ideal midfield combination for
Mourinho will be Alonso and Khedira as a double pivot, with Ozil, Di
Maria and Ronaldo up front assisting Karim Benzema. The Frenchman might
just get the nod ahead of Higuain, who has been extremely wasteful of
late. With Kaka, Modric, Callejon and Essien waiting on the wings,
things don’t get any better.
Real Madrid Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao; Alonso, Khedira; Ozil, Di Maria, Ronaldo; Benzema
Key Facts
1. Wins: Barcelona – 87, Madrid – 88, draws – 46.
2. Most appearances: Xavi Hernández (34, Barcelona), Raúl González (37, Madrid)
3. Top scorers in Clasicos: Lionel Messi (15, Barcelona), Alfredo Di Stéfano (18, Madrid)
4. Barcelona have won 16 of their last
17 home matches in La Liga & Real Madrid are undefeated in 27 of
their last 29 matches in La Liga.
5. The last 6 Clasicos have seen 22 goals scored, with Barcelona scoring 12 and Real Madrid 10.
Players To Watch Out For
This is a no-brainer.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
are the dynamic duo that will capture the attention of most of the
viewers. These two gentlemen have 12 La Liga goals between themselves
and will only look to add to their tally. Even if they don’t score, it
is almost certain they they will definitely contribute to the teams’
cause in the best possible way.
While Ronaldo has scored against
Barcelona consecutively for some time now, Leo, despite not having
matched that, hasn’t been any less influential. The duo will command a
lot of attention and both managers will have something extra lined up
for them.
Prediction
FC Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
This is perhaps Real Madrid’s game to
lose. While they have their top players playing to the best of their
potential, Barcelona have to deal with a lot of injuries and perhaps a
little complacency that arises out of having an eight-point cushion. An
exciting match followed by a win for a more desperate Real Madrid is on
the cards.
