5 reasons why Real Madrid could win El Clasico

Madrid celebrate their win over Sevilla

The league was lost a long time ago. Real Madrid were 12 points behind and were about to face Sevilla, a team that has constantly put Madrid through problems in the past.

Barcelona were also facing a tough team in the form of Villarreal but were supposed to cruise against the Submarines (I don’t know if this counts as a pun) given their superior form.

Real Madrid won their game 4-0, the scoreline might suggest complete dominance on Madrid’s behalf, but it was far from that. Barcelona, however, drew their game 2-2.

Now, this doesn’t mean that the Galacticos have a chance to win the league; Barca must press and hold the self-destruct button to lose a 10-point lead. However, if the last match-day showed us anything, it was that even a superhuman Barca team can bleed.

With that in mind, here are five reasons why Real Madrid could take down Barca: 

Playing Casemiro

Casemiro (R) celebrates scoring a goal 

Ever since that game against Atletico Madrid unfolded, Zinedine Zidane has realised the importance of Carlos Henrique Casimiro. Under Rafa Benitez, he was a regular starter and really impressed with his sturdy presence in the middle.

Initially, Zidane didn’t use him. However, since his resurgence, the Blancos have gone on to win all their games with him in midfield.

Ian Holloway was once heavily criticised for using too many defensive players in midfield. Given his outspoken and hilarious nature of speech, he aptly replied saying: “it’s all very well having a great pianist playing but it’s no good if you haven’t got anyone to get the piano on the stage in the first place, otherwise the pianist would be standing there with no bloody piano to play.”

Casemiro is not the best of players with the ball at his feet, but in a team filled with players who are technically astute, there isn’t a need for another one of the same calibre. Indeed, what Real have always needed is someone who could win the ball quickly—get the piano on stage—for the more creative players to do magic.

The former Sao Paulo star might not be the best holding midfielders out there, he might not even be world class just yet—but he is the only one in the Merengues squad who is capable of hustling around the park and bullying Barca players in possession.

Something that is a must in order to ruin their flow.