Three reasons why Real Madrid will win El Clasico this weekend

2. Real Madrid will be running high on confidence after a big win

Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. It was a professional display from the Whites. They were ruling the pitch at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. Going into the second leg, they will carry a huge two-goal advantage from their 3-1 victory. Several football experts and pundits already argue that the tie was won and lost in the first leg itself.

However, the upcoming two games, first, the Clasico at home and then the second leg at Anfield would be season-defining for Los Blancos. They will be pumped up after a dominant performance over the Reds and going into such a crucial couple of matches, this confidence could mean so much for Real Madrid.

Firstly, Marco Asensio did a lot of good work before being subbed out for Fede Valverde. Among his good works was also a goal that was skillfully chipped over Alisson Becker. Asensio was playing much deeper and was contributing vibrantly to the buildup plays. He has had four back-to-back matches where he scored and he would be running high on confidence.

The second player of interest here would be Vinicius Jr. Many are calling the last game ‘Vini Day’. The Brazilian scored two goals and his pace beat almost everyone on the pitch. Vini’s return among the goals especially cleaner finishes would be a huge boost for Madrid before the league-deciding game. He scored off the assists from Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

The two midfield geniuses do not need form or confidence, they are ever-green and it is time that we admit it. Once again, their presence would mean business against a weary Catalan defense. Toni Kroos had two major involvements in the match against Liverpool. First, a long ball assist for Vini and Madrid’s first goal. And second, another searching long ball that was awkwardly headed by Trent Alexander-Arnold but fell perfectly for Asensio to score Madrid’s second.

That means even Toni Kroos is in great touch. These two key passes apart, Kroos was at his best in the last game. He was making interceptions, tackling when necessary, and exchanging tricky one-twos with perfection. With him in such fine form, the Catalans are up for an extremely hard 90 mins of football.