Battle at Camp Nou: El Clasico Pre-Match Analysis
It’s finally here, the game we’ve been waiting for all year, let alone all week. The two giants of world football are to face off in the Camp Nou, as some of the biggest stars in the game go head to head in what will be a monumental game in the fight for the La Liga title race.
El Clasico, one of the biggest rivalries in the world of sports and probably the most entertaining match in the world of football, not much else needs to be said to hype this one up. The two teams will be putting out their usual All-Star lineups(apart from a few injuries) in what will be a crucial game in title race.
Real Madrid haven’t won the league since 2011-12 when Jose Mourinho was their manager, but, with a 6 point lead over their hated rivals, this is a huge opportunity to take a nearly insurmountable 9 point lead early in the season. However, if Madrid get complacent, they could see their lead slip to just 3 points if Barca come out victors, who ever wins this game will also come away with momentum and confidence from beating their rivals in a very important and even must win game from Barca’s point of view.
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Key Players Missing
Sadly in yet another massive game, this is an important topic of discussion in the build up to Saturday’s match. One of the most shocking facts about our season so far is we still haven’t had our best XI fit for one match this season. Nearly everyone in our squad has been injured at some point this season, now we add Gareth Bale to the list. Bale has been one of Madrid’s best players this year, in what looked to finally be his year to stay healthy and take a step toward being the new main man, he picked up an ankle injury against Sporting Lisbon. He will be heavily missed in this match up, Bale usually brings his A game in El Clasico.
In the past two years, he’s had two completely legit goals disallowed vs FC Barcelona, as well as being a constant threat, he put the ball right on Ronaldo’s chest for him to score the winner last year at the Camp Nou. Real will also be missing their midfield maestro Toni Kross who would also be pivotal in this match(as he is every match) because he has the ability to dicatate and switch the play with stupendous accuracy, which could’ve helped catch Barca out of position.
Another key man for Madrid, Alvaro Morata is still recovering from an injury he suffered over the international break. He would’ve had a huge impact if we could have used him to run at the tired Barca defense from the 60th minute on.
Real Madrid’s Form
Real are now 32 games unbeaten after their 6-1 demolishing of Cultural Leonesa midweek. After drawing 4 games in a row earlier this season, Real have gone on to win 9 out of their last 10 games, the only draw coming in that empty stadium game away vs Legia Warsaw. The all whites are also still riding the momentum from arguably the best performance of the season in a 3-0 win against their cross town rivals Atletico.
Ronaldo scored a hat trick in that game and has sustained his form since, scoring both goals against Sporting Gijon this weekend. This is crucial for Real, especially with Bale out. We need the Dark Invader to be his all conquering-self this Saturday. It’s safe to say we haven’t always been at our best this year, scraping 2-1 wins here and there, but that is to be expected with the list on injuries we have. At the same time however, Real have looked scintillating on multiple occasions this year, turning it on in the big games that the players know they need to give their all for, hopefully that trend continues this Saturday in their biggest test of character yet.
FC Barcelona’s Form
Barcelona have had quite the strange start to the season, they have rarely looked to be at the peak of their powers. They have often relied on the individual brilliance of Neymar and Messi to rescue them as Messi did against Sevilla, he scored a lovely placed equalizer and set up the second to win the game away from home. But relying on individuals has never been apart of the Barca’s approach, they are supposed to be the team of all teams when it comes to team play. They have drawn their last 2 in league play, as well as losing to Alaves and Celta Vigo already this season.
This bad start has caused many to question weather Luis Enrique is the right man for the job. Fans have often complained that he is tactically inept and hasn’t changed the system at all from the Pep days, causing them to be slightly figured out. Luis Suarez has also suffered a dip in form causing him to be criticized by many cules, his finishing hasn’t been at his usual level and isn’t helping in the Build up either. However don’t get too cozy Madridistas, sadly, Barca usually bring their best vs Real.
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Real Madrid’s Likely Tactics
Zidane truly showed up when it mattered most last year, many thought he didn’t have the tactical mind suited to be a top class manager, but, in last year’s Clasico, he rolled out a brilliant plan. Real set up in a 4-5-1 without the ball soaking up all the pressure from Barcelona, as well as mixing in high presses here and there, then hitting on the counter.
Both of the goals in last years match came from extraordinary counter attacks. The first came from two brilliant one-twos with Modric who then released Marcelo who made a darting run to find Kross one the right flank who’s deflected cross found a bicycle kicking Benzema.
The Second came from another darting run from one of our fullbacks, this time Carvajal, who basically handed the ball off to Jese, who switched it to the right flank again, this time Bale put in a sky high cross that found Ronaldo who slammed the ball through Bravo’s legs, then, of course, came the “Calma Calma”.
I would like nothing more than Zidane to roll out this same counter attacking plan with a bit more possession mixed in there. I also think Real need to put Sergi Roberto in as many one on one situations with Ronaldo as possible.
FC Barcelona’s Likely Tactics
Like I said earlier in this article, Luis Enrique hasn’t really evolved this Barcelona side much from the Pep days, they basically do the same things now that they did then. They will look to have the ball as much as possible, they rarely fail to win the possession battle. However, last week against Sociedad they were out possesed 55%-45% in a game they only managed to create 2 chances from open play.
This shows how much they need Iniesta, he’s the link between the midfield and the front 3. Also Sergio Busquets hasn’t been the normal calming presence he usually is, he’s given the ball away quite cheaply and isn’t doing to well protecting his back 4, he is a major key for any Barca victory. The Catalonia side will be looking to get the ball to their creative wingers who will go at Real’s full backs who are bound to tire as the game goes on due to their offensiveness. They will also be looking to play from the back as they always do which could lead them into a silly mistake if Madrid press effectively.
Real Madrid Predicted line up
Due to all the injuries, Madrid have strayed from their usual 4-3-3 and switched to a 4-2-3-1. This has allowed them to control the midfield battle more and also giving the side more balance in defense with Vasquez tracking back to cover for Carvajal. I expect Kovacic to start ahead of Casemiro due to the Brazilian not being back to 100% yet . The young Croatian has been incredible this year and a class performance at Camp Nou could put him in contention for a place in the best XI.
FC Barcelona Predicted Lineup
Barca will be receiving a huge boost as Andries Iniesta has recovered in time for this massive clash, weather he is 100% yet, remains to be seen. Umtiti has also recovered in time but, I expect Mascherano to get the starting slot since he has played in these games many times before. Sergi Roberto, Barca’s utility man will be slotted in as right back due to the atrocious form of Alex Vidal who is beginning to be written off already. They will be majorly regretting letting Dani Alves go who was a perfect fit for many years in that team.
Prediction
Barcelona know they have to win this game and will be ready to give their all but I don’t think they are over their unusual rut quite yet. I also think Real Madrid are going to go there extra motivated knowing a title could be on the cards if they win. In the end I expect an exciting, end to end match, but since Real have the momentum at the moment, Im going for a 2-1 victory for Los Blancos! The goal scorers being Luis suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.