Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Preview of the season’s first El Clasico
It’s that time of the year once again when 2 of the biggest clubs in the Spanish League and the World of football square off for another classic. Rightly called as the El Clásico, this match-up never fails to bring out the best from both sides. Fans of the two clubs can truly expect some edge of the seat action today as Real Madrid take on Barcelona in this La Liga matchup of heavyweights.
Venue and Kick-off timings
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid will play host to the first El-Clásico of this season today and it’s expected to be packed with a strong turnover of approximately 85,000. Kick-off is scheduled for 25th October 2014; at 9:30 IST and the match will be telecast live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports HD2.
Form guide
Both teams have gotten off to great starts to their respective seasons, but Barcelona find themselves at the top early on. After 8 rounds, the Catalans remain unbeaten with 7 wins and have racked up 22 points whereas Los Blancos are currently sitting 3rd in the table on 18 points. The match will be of crucial importance especially for Madrid if they are to keep hot on the heels of their bitter rivals. A loss on Saturday will see them slip behind by 7 points, something they would be keen on avoiding.
In addition to this, both sides will be brimming with confidence as they are fresh from their respective Champions League victories in the mid-week. With a plethora of attacking talent at the disposal for both clubs, it comes as no surprise that goals have been flying into the net. Both teams have already dealt crushing defeats to opponents and have combined for a total of 52 goals between the two in just 8 rounds.
Key facts and stats
Lionel Messi is on the verge of becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga in today’s match. Messi is just one goal behind the record of 251 goals set by Telmo Zarra. The Argentine has already netted 250 times in La Liga in just 258 games.
Likewise, Messi would also be aiming to add to his tally of 21 goals from 28 Clasicos.
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo who has notched up 15 goals in 7 La Liga matches this season has set a record for the Spanish top flight.
Till date, 227 Clasicos have taken place to-date. Real Madrid has won 91 of those, whereas Barca has won 88 times while 48 have turned out to be draws.
Key battles
Ronaldo vs Piqué
When these two powerhouses of football collide, there are a number of players on the pitch who can make a difference. Having said that, for the home side Cristiano Ronaldo has been in sublime form recently and is showing no signs of letting up. Already way ahead of the pack in goals scored so far, Ronaldo has found the back of the net 15 times in La Liga and has been carrying his team every week. His ability to offer width will be of greater significance as Gareth Bale is out with an injury. Gerard Piqué would have a big role to play in trying to stop Ronaldo especially if he is going to attack through the middle.
Messi vs Ramos
As for the Catalans, Messi will again remain the central figure. Along with him Neymar has also been in great form and the duo has formed a formidable strike partnership. Whether it is scoring goals or setting them up, Messi has again been instrumental at the start of this season and Sergio Ramos could have his work carved out. Stopping the magician will be a task and it remains to be seen if Ramos will be up to it.
Luis Suárez vs Marcelo
The most anticipated moment from 4 months could finally take place as Luis Suárez is likely to make his debut in a Barcelona first team jersey. The Uruguayan forward will have served his 4 month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini of Italy during this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil and is expected to start alongside Messi and Neymar in what is to be a deathly front 3. Without a hint of doubt, Suárez would be raring to go and will be extra motivated for this debut. Playing on the wing, Marcelo will be the man tasked to keep Suárez from being lethal. This could well be an interesting contest.
Probable starting line-ups and formation
Even with the inclusion of Suárez in the line-up, the Catalans are expected to stick to their usual 4-3-3 formation. As for the hosts, the loss of Gareth Bale due to injury could see them switch from 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 formation with Ronaldo occupying a more central role alongside Benzema.
Real Madrid (Possible, 4-4-2): Casillas; Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Modric, Rodriguez; Ronaldo, Benzema.
Barcelona (Possible, 4-3-3): Claudio Bravo; Alves, Mathieu, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Neymar, Messi, Suarez.
Referee: G Manzano
Match prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona.