Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: 3 advantages for Los Blancos in El Clasico

Real Madrid have a huge emotional reason to win

I’m more of a “stats person”, in the sense that I don’t always buy into things like a team “wanting it more”. But in this case, Real Madrid have a huge chip on their shoulder as they head to the Camp Nou for this massive clash.

Real Madrid may be in trouble. They were beyond laughably poor in both matches against Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk this past week. At no point in either of those games did they play up to the standard expected at this club. They may have cut it close against Shakhtar, but that was down to individual brilliance from Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior.

But remember, this is the team that beat Barcelona in a whole title race last season. Their squad has not gotten worse since then, even if they head into this game hobbled by injuries. They outplayed Barcelona in both Clasicos last season, including a resounding 2-0 triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier in 2020.

The psychological advantage of that win is present, but it’s even secondary to Real’s need to fight for their dignity in such a big match. They know they cannot be embarrassed for a third straight match, otherwise there could be repercussions. Zinedine Zidane would feel those, first and foremost, by virtue of the questionable tactical decisions.