Two of the best players in the world–Messi and Ronaldo–will go against each other in the much-anticipated El Clásico
Fans are in for a treat as the clock ticks down to what will probably be the most entertaining El Clásico in recent seasons. Barcelona travels to Bernabeu to take on archrival Madrid.
Let’s look at how the two teams will approach the game.
El Clásico showcases some of the best football talent in the world.
Barcelona has been in sensational form since Ernesto Valverde took over the helm. That performance is a clear indication that the team has moved on since Neymar’s departure. Real Madrid, on the other hand, hasn’t hit the ground running. The good news is that recent performances against Sevilla and Gremio will help the team going into Saturday’s encounter.
One of the things that makes El Clásico great is that Madrid and Barca players love going up against each other. The desire to win such a high profile game brings out plenty of drama. Players will throw themselves on the ground at the slightest touch, and both players and managers will also engage in a war of words. Match officials will need to be on their toes.
But the more serious aspect of El Clásico is this: Real Madrid are 11 points behind Barcelona in the La Liga table. The team can’t afford to drop more points if it is to challenge for the title. So Ernesto Valverde and Zinedine Zidane are expected to line-up their strongest squads and employ impressive tactical blueprints.
What should we expect to see?
It’s clear that Barca is a team that likes more possession. They will commit bodies forward and try to restrict Real Madrid in their own half. They will also be looking to use Messi’s and Iniesta’s magic touches to exploit spaces behind Madrid’s back four.
Sergio Busquets (photo, Sky Sports)
Barcelona will be looking to build their play from the back with Sergio Busquets expected to protect the defensive line. Barca’s ability to attack spaces in the middle of the park will be tested as Madrid tries to congest the midfield area. Madrid will also be hoping to contend Barca’s attacking threat and hit them on the break.
Madrid’s attacking threat will definitely come from the full backs. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo will be looking to exploit the width and press high in the opposition half. For their part, the midfield pair of Modric and Toni Kroos will be aiming to release Ronaldo and Benzema with their defense-splitting passes.
I think this game is tough to call. The team that controls the midfield effectively will have an edge. Judging from the previous meetings, it’s most likely the game will be won on tactical grounds.
There’s no doubt that the two best players in the world will be under the spotlight. Messi has had a hand in 19 goals this season–eight more than any other player in La Liga. With just four goals to his name, Ronaldo will be eager to improve his form domestically.
The duo will be looking to outshine each other … as they always do. But what matters most is who will have more impact in helping his team get those desired three points.
