Real Madrid & Barcelona Combined XI

The Spanish league has been termed as a two horse race for quite sometime now. But a resurgent Atletico Madrid side this season have proved the critics wrong. With the 2013/14 campaign nearing its end, Real Madrid find themselves in second place in the points table three points behind leaders Atletico courtesy of Barcelona loosing away at Granada and slipping up to third place. The two giants have had a decent season but not without cracks on several instances.

On Wednesday night, Real Madrid will face their arch rivals once again in the Copa Del Rey final at the Mestalla in Valencia. The two fierce foes have a chance to claim their first major trophy of this season. They have battled each other two times in La Liga with the Catalans getting the better of Los Blancos on both the occasions.

If we were to pick the best performers from both the outfits for this season, who would they be? On the basis of their form and performances throughout the season, we have compiled the best starting 11 from both teams with a substitute bench of 7 players.

This is how the teams would line up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: Diego Lopez

The Spanish international who was purchased from Villareal has been sensational in front of the goal since he was brought in as a replacement for an injured Iker Casillas. The league starter for Los Blancos has 15 clean sheets to his name which is 3 more than Barcelona’s Victor Valdes who has 12. A superb shot-stopper and having an excellent command of his area, Lopez has stopped 81 shots in total. His consistency over the course of the season is the major reason for his inclusion in the starting XI ahead of cup goalie Casillas and Valdes.

Defenders: Carvajal – Pepe – Pique – Alba

The back line consists of three Spaniards and one Portuguese player. Carvajal makes it into the starting squad ahead of Brazilian right back Dani Alves who has been quite irregular in his display. The accuracy of his deliveries have been missing and he has been vulnerable to opposition attacks. In contrast, Carvajal who has started almost every game replacing Arbeloa (currently injured) has been effective forming a better partnership with Bale down the right flank and has been defensively compact for most of the games.

The centre back pairing consists of Pepe and Pique where the former has been having one of the best seasons of his Real Madrid career. He has been rock solid at the back since regaining his first team spot under Ancelotti, making plenty of crucial interceptions and stopping the opposition’s attack when needed. His contribution has been equally important when going forward as the 31-year-old has scored 4 goals and assisted 3 in a span of 29 games.

Gerard Pique currently sits out injured. The Blaugrana stopper had to leave the pitch in the first leg Champions League tie against Atletico after he made an awkward landing, suffering a back injury in the process. Prior to his injury, Pique has had a good season and his ability to read the game and connect well with the midfield has earned him a spot in the staring eleven.

Jordi Alba lines up in the left back position. The ex-Valencia player is known for his sheer pace and lung bursting runs down the left flank. He provides more versatility in attack and has been successful in linking up with the attack providing good final passes into the box. He has provided 2 assists in 15 appearances for the team.

Midfield: Modric – Di Maria – Iniesta

Luka Modric came to life in the 2013/14 season. With Ancelotti’s appointment as Madrid coach, the Croatian fit perfectly into the Italian’s 4-3-3 formation. The former Tottenham man has been instrumental for Madrid overall dictating the midfield along with his partner Xabi Alonso. His ability to hold the ball and orchestrate the attack with quality passes has made him the anchorman of the team.

Fellow team mate Angel Di Maria endured a tough start following the arrival of Gareth Bale. The pressure to deliver in such a competitive environment was always there in such a star studded team. But the Argentine took on the challenge and has provided his “Duracell energy” for the whites by running up and down the pitch and being equally dynamic in attack and defence. His effective dribbles and pin point crosses from the left side have been the reason for many of Madrid’s triumphant goals. Equally, he has supported the defence by tracking back and breaking up plays.With 4 goals and 12 assists, he makes it to the starting line up.

Andres Iniesta has had a quieter season in terms of his stats. The Barcelona midfielder has scored on 3 occasions while assisting 7 times this campaign. But stats do not depict the clear fact that he has been the most effective player for the Catalans this season. His dribbling, vision and exquisite touches have led the Barcelona ship when most players have looked tired and out of ideas. The mercurial play maker joins the madrid duo in the centre of the pitch.

Forwards: Ronaldo – Messi – Gareth Bale

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi make it to the XI

Gareth Bale has been under the radar since his high profile summer move with a burden to justify his 100 million tag. The Welshman’s season was initially hindered by minor injuries. But despite starting off at a steady pace, Bale has accumulated numbers that justify a good season in his favour. Since his arrival, he has started in 25 games overall scoring 19 goals and assisting 15 at the same time which are some excellent stats considering its his debut season. While he has started regularly for Real, Barcelona’s Neymar has been struggling to seal his spot facing competition from Pedro and Sanchez. His irregularity and inferior numbers make him the second choice in this aspect.

Lionel Messi was plagued with injuries before the season began. He was sidelined again for two months following a hamstring problem. After coming back from a much needed break, the Argentine has continued his scoring form and has regained his familiar position on the scoring charts. He has tallied a total of 38 goals with 13 assists leading the attack for the Blaugranas as he always does. It is always difficult to replicate his feats and Karim Benzema, despite a good season, still lags behind and doesn’t make it into the staring eleven.

There is no doubt about Cristiano Ronaldo’s position in this squad. The Portuguese Ballon d’Or winner leads the La Liga scoring charts with 28 goals. He is the top scorer in Champions League with 14 goals sitting as the joint record holder with Messi for most goals in a single season.This has been his fifth consecutive season where he has managed 40 goals and his consistency down the flank is second to none. The winger currently sits out with an injury and his incredible stats makes him an easy choice for the starting line up.

Substitutes: Dani Alves, Victor Valdes, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Benzema, Busquets and Xavi