Real Madrid: A question and answer with a Barcelona fan
Real Madrid will face off against Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final. Here’s how the opponents are feeling heading into this game.
Ahead of today’s first of three Clasico’s in about three weeks, the staff at The Real Champs caught up with their fellow contemporary’s. We sat down with Everything Barcelona to get some insight on the big game, and their mindset heading into the first leg.
How are you feeling ahead of the game?
Answer
The usual nerves are creeping in as these matches are usually a separate entity from the rest of the season with recent form not overly important. Playing over two legs was preferable than meeting in the final, though, and it does feel less important than the league Clasicos.
Thoughts on their season so far?
Answer
They started slowly but recent months have seen a major upturn, so the season is looking hugely promising currently. The eight-game winning run in the league has brought confidence back to the team and Ernesto Valverde has been rotating players relatively effectively.
Coutinho situation?
Answer
If Dembele was in the squad then Coutinho wouldn’t deserve to start, but the Frenchman’s absence gives him another chance to stake a claim for a first-team spot. The penalty he scored against Sevilla seemed to give him a huge boost of confidence as he put in a top-class performance. However, he is still too predictable and his decision-making needs to improve.
Thoughts on Valverde?
Answer
Valverde appears to have learned from his mistakes last season because he has been rotating the key players out while also largely getting the desired results. The true test will come in the Champions League knockout stages and that’s what he will ultimately be judged on. He isn’t the manager to lead Barcelona into the future past this season as he is starting to show his limitations such as being unable to convert Coutinho into a central midfielder.
Game prediction?
Answer
Barcelona largely controls the game with Real restricted to counter-attacking opportunities through Vinicius and Bale. The pressure on Real’s defence will eventually tell with Messi having a huge influence whether that be from the start or off the bench. Suarez had one of his best performances of the season in the previous encounter and something similar should be expected in this clash. 2-1 Barcelona.
Next. Copa Del Rey Match Preview vs Barcelona. dark
Does the fact that you beat Real Madrid earlier this season make you feel more confident? Or do you see this as a different team?
Answer
It does bring confidence, especially because the last result was achieved without Messi. However, there is a sense that Solari’s ideas suit the team better and they finally appear to have settled based on recent form. Modric was a few inches away from making it 2-2 in the last game, so these matches are always decided by tight margins and Real should never be underestimated. The current team doesn’t bring the fear that Zidane’s side did, though.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, looking at the match through eyes of a Barcelona fan. You could say they are very confident, but you can’t knock them for it. Controversies aside they have continued to make sure to claim as many points as possible and stay ahead of the pack.