El Clasico: Could the rivalry affect Spain's chances at Euro 2012?

In-fighting in the team could hamper Spain's chances.

Spain announced its final Euro squad last week. Not surprisingly, more than half the squad features players from two fierce, arch-rival clubs of Spanish football with eight players from Barcelona and five from Real Madrid. Given tensions between these two sides, the question arises whether Barcelona/Real Madrid rivalry will have an adverse impact on Spain’s chances at Euro 2012? Will the El-Clasico melees derail the Spanish wagon in defending its Euro crown?

The ‘El Clasico’ conundrum that Spain faces is nothing new. The rivalry between these two clubs has existed since the inception of the ‘La Liga‘ and players from these clubs have, almost always, dominated the national team. In the World Cup 2010, the national squad had as many as thirteen players from these two powerhouses. But the animosity between the players did not deter Spain from returning home victorious. A few critics may argue that Spain have been playing at such a high level during this period that they haven’t faced tough times to test the shaky relationship between the players. But they are simply overlooking the fact that Spain overcame the slip up against Switzerland early in the tournament to emerge victorious.

Arrival of Mourinho

'Fighting it out'

The arrival of Jose Mourinho to the Bernabeu has given special meaning to Barca-Madrid rivalry. From the day he accused Frank Rijkaard of having a secret meeting with the referee at half time of a Champions League match in 2005 to the controversial sending-off of Thiago Motta in the semi-final clash in 2010, the ‘Special One’ has always been involved in altercations with Barcelona. Since he has taken charge at Madrid, the drama in Madrid-Barca clashes has reached even greater heights. On-field fighting and controversial sending-offs have become regular features of El Clasicos. Incidents at the end of the Super Cup clash in August last year, when three players were shown red cards and Mourinho was banned for two matches for poking Barcelona’s then assistant coach Tito Vilanova, stands testament to that fact.

In addition, the other influencing factor has been the sheer number of times the two teams have faced each other in the last two years. Since Mourinho’s arrival, the two clubs have met 15 times in just two seasons. The frequent face-off has, in no doubt, intensified the acrimony between the players.

However, the current crop of Spanish players have always been well-behaved team players. They may fight, fret and sweat against each other on the field, but they rarely get involved in the ‘Mario-like’ controversies. The underlying reason is that the teams are managed by Guardiola and Mourinho, who are known to be strong critics of infighting in the team. Moreover, the presence of Del Bosque, who has the experience of managing football’s biggest superstars in ‘Los Galacticos’ era at the helm of the national team will act as a much needed soothing-effect.

Meanwhile, players are optimistic that club football will have no bearing on their performances at the Euros. Xabi Alonso, dismissing the reports that rifts between the two teams will hamper Spain’s chances, said

“It has nothing to do with each another. When we are with the team and over in the finals we are fighting together, no matter how the season ended. If someone has won something, congratulations. If you’ve won I’ll congratulate you, but here you’re fighting for something else.”

Much will depend on how Spain starts its Euro campaign against Italy. A victory will put rest to all the ghosts of El Clasico clashes. The uneasiness between players will be lost in the comfort of a good beginning. On the other hand, a defeat will confound the dressing room awkwardness.

Spain is known for their imaginative brand of football, which is pleasing to the eyes. So, as football fans we only hope that the El Clasico rivalry, for once, takes a back seat & that we will be treated to the usual Spanish flavor at Euro 2012.