La Liga 2016/17: 5 things Real Madrid need to do to win El Clasico against Barcelona

Who will come out on top this time around?

This Sunday we’ll witness another chapter in the never-ending rivalry between the two biggest clubs on the planet. Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns in front of a sold out Santiago Bernabéu stadium as not only bragging rights get sorted, but title credentials become validated.

With only three points separating the two giants, this El Clásico will have monumental implications on the title race.

In the 233^rd annual El Clásico, Cristiano Ronaldo and his merry men will seek to prematurely put one hand on the La Liga trophy. Real are in scintillating form this season, they’re unbeaten in their last two El Clásicos and have only lost two games all campaign.

For Lionel Messi’s men, they’re coming off the receiving end of a convincing 3-0 aggregate defeat to Juventus. The league title is the only thing that could salvage Luis Enrique’s last season at the Nou Camp. Either way, this match will not only have Spain, but the entire world watching.

Here are 5 things Real Madrid need to do to win the El Clásico.   

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#5 Toni Kroos should track Jordi Alba

With the world’s most dangerous player, Neymar, suspended for the El Clásico, attacking duties down the left flank will be afforded to Jordi Alba. As one of the most attacking full-backs in footballing history, the Spaniard will be more than happy to fulfil such duties. In order to sustain width, the Spanish LB must continually run up and down the left side regardless of Gareth Bale’s positioning.

As the widest of the midfield three, it should be Toni Kroos’ responsibility to ensure the Spaniard doesn’t cause havoc out wide. Kroos needs to track Alba’s runs as well as cut off passing lanes in the middle for him to feed. If Kroos can limit the effectiveness of the 28-year-old, the whole left side of Barcelona’s attack would be deemed void.