5 Key battles ahead of the El Clasico

Real Madrid vs Barcelona. The time is now. It is that week of the year when days just don’t come about fast enough. It is a 90-hour buildup to a 90-minute footballing extravaganza, featuring the best two football teams on the planet.But, just that doesn’t make this fixture special. It is the tension and animosity that two cultures have against each other – their tactics and ways of playing the game, lying at the polar opposites of the spectrum. A century-old battle, which only gets more heated with time. And that seemingly never-ending individual battle between the Beethoven and Mozart of the game, with their own stakes on the line.And, in this battle of battles, we have a few factors that would determine the route, and probably the result of the match. Nothing can be safely predicted with two teams who have thrown the form book as we know it out the window. Messi and co made an impetuous Davy Klaassen eat his words this week, while Ronaldo and co proved the pundits wrong after they predicted a tough night for them at Anfield. They might as well have taken a stroll through the Stanley Park, instead.It is in this fascinating backdrop that the 228th El Clasico is about to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ahead of this monumental clash of the titans, here’s a look at the five main battles which could possibly determine the match.

#1 Madrid\'s attack vs Barcelona\'s defence

During the Guardiola and Mourinho years,it has always been the other way round – the pragmatism of Madrid vs the dynamism of Barcelona. It is the opposite this time around, with the Catalans not conceding a single goal in La Liga, while Madrid has scored 25 in their last five league fixtures. This is not to say that Barcelona lacks teeth in its own attack, but it’s no comparison to the armoury that the Blancos attack is.

With Ronaldo scoring an average of two goals per game, Benzema delivering a sensational performance against Liverpool and James Rodriguez replicating his World Cup form, Real Madrid has a well-oiled attacking trio that scores goals for fun. They will definitely miss Gareth Bale, but they have enough secondary options to make up for the costliest player in the world.

Irrespective of their formation, the Barcelona defence is going to have its work cut out. Dani Alves, Jordi Alba, Jeremy Mathieu and Gerard Pique or Javier Mascherano are going to have their hands full against the best attacking team in the world on current form.

Another fascinating battle would be Ronaldo vs Bravo; with the former scoring goals at will and the latter not having conceded a single goal in 700 odd minutes.

#2 Luka Modric vs Ivan Rakitic

Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic (L) and Luka Modric

Upon joining Real Madrid, Luka Modric was mocked at by many who didn’t believe the diminutive Croatian had it in him to anchor Los Blancos’ midfield. The former Tottenham midfielder has gone about proving each one of them wrong ever since, with some magnificently controlled displays in the heart of the midfield. His partnership, initially with Xabi Alonso, and now with Toni Kroos, has been the foundation upon which Madrid starts its wave after wave of relentless attacks.

Ivan Rakitic was touted to be Xavi’s successor upon moving to the Camp Nou this summer. He has lived up to the great expectations bestowed on him with some stellar performances in the centre of the park with Sergio Busquets. A player gifted with attacking and defensive nous in equal measure, Rakitic is a more complete midfielder than his compatriot, with his anticipation and tackling giving him a slight advantage.

A fascinating battle is on the cards, between two of the greatest Croatian players of this generation. Both of them will be looking to pull the strings of their side and orchestrate things, from the middle. Consequently, they will be at each other’s throats, hurrying and hassling, so as to not let the other dictate the game.

#3 Luis Suarez vs Pepe-Varane

Luis Enrique may well start with Messi, Neymar and Pedro (or Munir) in attack and disappoint fans all over the world who are eagerly anticipating the return of the magician from Montevideo, Luis Suarez, for the biggest clash imaginable. But, one thing is for sure – Luis Suarez will definitely be involved at some point or the other, in the match. The only question is when, and not if.

And, when he does come out on to the pitch, he’s sure to give the Madrid defence all kinds of headaches, especially with Sergio Ramos missing at the heart of the backline. Suarez poses an entirely different threat to the rest of the Barcelona players. He will relentlessly harry the Madrid defence, keep switching positions between the wing and the centre-forward role, posses the only real aerial threat in blue-claret colours, and can finish with consummate ease off either foot.

Suarez joining forces with Lionel Messi and Neymar in attack is going to be one hell of a sight – the best players from Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil fighting in tandem against the champions of Europe. Beware, Pepe, Raphael Varane, Alvaro Arbeloa, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo. And you too, Iker Casillas. It might prove to be a long night.

#4 Carlo Ancelotti vs Luis Enrique

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique (L) and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

Again, polar opposites are harder to find. On the one hand, we have a decorated veteran who has already proven why Madrid were ready to sack Jose Mourinho. On the other, we have a young and upcoming manager, who was once a player who crossed the Clasico divide having played for both clubs, and has brought about subtle changes in the tactics and philosophies of a school of football that has remained constant for well over a decade now.

Carlo Ancelotti has a few selection headaches ahead of the match, with the most important of them being his midfield. Will he go for the jugular and play with Kroos and Modric, a defensively vulnerable and offensively incredible pair? Or will he go for a safer option, like Illaramendi or Khedira, with Barcelona expected to boss things around like they always do? He also has to decide on the shape of the team, whether to play the 4-3-3 or the 4-4-2.

Luis Enrique’s main selection dilemma is the inclusion of Luis Suarez in the starting XI. Something else that he has to be careful about is Busquet’s hip injury. This might force him to play Mascherano in midfield.

#5 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi

The rest were all battles; this is war. There hasn’t been a footballing rivalry, and I mean ever, that has had the emotion and drama that this one has had. One is right-footed, the other, left-footed. One is European; the other, South American. They have even divided the sponsor giants, Adidas and Nike, into two. But most importantly, one plays for Madrid, and the other for Barcelona.

Records are sure to tumble, when they meet this weekend. Messi, the highest Clasico-goalscorer, will look to score a brace and overtake Telmo Zarra as the highest La Liga goalscorer of all time. Ronaldo, is in the best form of his life, and would be eager to add to his ever-increasing Clasico tally.

One thing is for sure – at least one of them will surely score this time around too. In all probability, both of them will score. It is just a question of who scores more, and who scores the better goals. That is the level at which they play.

Time for us mere mortals to grab some popcorn and drinks, sit on the couch and tune into the biggest match in club football. Let the Clasico begin!