Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 5 things to expect from the El Clasico

#4 The tactical battle: Valverde vs Zidane

Valverde or Zidane - Who will come out on top?

Nobody expected Ernesto Valverde to stabilize Barcelona in such a manner, after a tensed summer when manager Luis Enrique and star player Neymar left the club. However he has excelled in his job and has guided the team to a domestic double, after losing the first two matches against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Valverde brought back the focus of Barcelona's game play to the midfielders, as opposed to his predecessor Luis Enrique who relied on quick transition of the ball to his forwards. His usage of Messi in a more central role as the playmaker who controls the game, has benefited Barcelona a lot.

Zinedine Zidane on the other hand, has had a stellar start to his managerial career and has won every single title that can be won by Real Madrid over the last two years, including two Champions League titles.

His game play is based upon usage to high pressing in order to contain the opponent team in their own half. Passing into spaces and crossing from deep, is why his style of play endears so much to the fans. Besides, he has got a pool of immensely talented players leading the line for the team.

It will be really interesting to see who will come out on top.