Real Madrid vs Barcelona - A hard look

Today, the 21st of April 2012, the world will witness the greatest club rivalry – El Clasico. Nicknamed The Classic ['El Clssico' in Spanish] this match is bound to entertain one and all with those moments of magic, euphoria, the tiki-taka, the counter attacks, the fouls, the dives, the midfield battles – you name it, this match has got it all.

The battle is not just between two clubs – Real Madrid and Barcelona, but also two coaches – Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, two stars – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who all claim to be the best in their own fields. Moreover the constant comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has no limit.

They both are one of the very best of the game with completely different styles – Cristiano’s huge stature compared to Messi’s relatively smaller one, Cristiano’s thunderous strikes to Messi’s tricky ones, Cristiano dashing towards the goal to Messi dribbling past defenders, Cristiano’s Nike to Messi’s Adidas and moreover Cristiano’s Real Madrid to Messi’s Barcelona.

The Classico is no stranger to controversies. Pepe’s red card, Tito Vilanova’s eye poking incident, The harsh tackle on Fabregas and its aftermath are few of many. The Classico is Hollywood theatre for divers. Dani Alves had gotten Pepe sent off in the previous years Champions League semi finals. Sergio Busquets would fall down covering his face even if a fly landed on his head. Pepe would fall for the clumsiest of challenge. Midfield maestro, Iniesta and winger Angel Di Maria are also no exception. Cards always rain during a Classico.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona will play their first classico of this year after suffering defeats from the hands of Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively in the Champions League. Real Madrid boast a 4 point lead over heir arch-rivals which had been gradually cut down from an impressive 10 points. A victory for the Los Blancos could promise them the La Liga, their first after a gap of 2 years. A victory for the Catalans could mount tremendous pressure on Jose Mourinho, who will have to win all of the remaining 4 league matches if he would like to grab the domestic cup. A draw would be painful for Barcelona, who could only wish for a mistake by Jose Mourinho’s men in the remaining 4 matches.

Jose Mourinho had lost this season’s first league match against Barcelona and was criticised for being too defensive, even by his own players. He would surely make some tactical changes tonight. His assistant, Aitor Karanka has also assured this in his recent press conference.

Jose’s men have proved to be more effective in the offensive 4-2-3-1 formation than comparitively defensive 4-3-3 formation against Barcelona. Chelsea defeated Barcelona with a 4-3-3 lineup. It would be interesting to see which Jose employs.

Jose Mourinho would be without the services of Ricardo Carvalho and Lass. He welcomes Xabi Alonso after being suspended for picking up five yellow cards. Pep Guardiola would be without David Villa, Eric Abidal and Fontas. Sanchez is doubtful for the match.

It would be interesting to know who emerges the winner of this fierce clash. The winner would surely play the next Champions League semi final second leg match with confidence, as they say ” They surely will have the psychological edge”.