Real Madrid Vs Barcelona | EL Clasico Preview
Wednesday, 29 April 09, 04:59 AM · Comments (22)
Real Madrid (78pts) Vs Barcelona (82pts) - El Clasico - La Liga Round 34 | 02/05/2009 - 20:00 CET | Santiago Bernabeu stadium
Although there are other historical derbies in Spain, England, and Italy, EL Clasico remains the most anticipated, thrilling and entertaining fixture to watch. Even for football fans in general, it is an important game to watch and both teams have never disappointed.
This time around, EL Clasico is even hotter. Barcelona are leaders and Real Madrid sit four points behind. So this is a crucial match for both teams and it is also a title decider. If Barca win, they'll extend their lead to 7 points and make it practically impossible for Los Blancos to catch up, but If Real win, they'll just be 1 point behind with 5 games to play.
Everyone is putting their money on Real because the match is at the Bernabeu and Barcelona are both mentally and physically tired due to them playing in three competitions all season. While I kind of agree that they are tired, I think the Clasico is a total different game. Once both teams step on the pitch, no statistics, pre-game talk or any other kind of talk is important or relevant. What will decided the result will be what both team put on the field -- and in most cases -- it will be small details that decides the outcome of EL Clasico.
So, trust me, it is gonna be a hell of a match!
Barcelona
Rafa Marquez has injured himself against Chelsea and is out for the season. Apart from Rafa, everyone should be fit to play.
Xavi, Iniesta, and Toure are three of the best midfielders in the world right now. In particular I like Xavi and Iniesta for what they are capable of doing and their unique talents. They'll certainly look dangerous and with Toure, their midfield will also be stronger.
However, I think Lass and Gago will be able to contain them. They'll need extra help from one of our forwards who should go back once in a while to give a hand. Gago has already played in many Clasicos and knows what it is like. But this will be Lass' first and I don't think he'll be nervous. I do believe he'll be crucial for us.
Messi, Eto`o, and Henry are just one goal away from the total scored by Real Madrid`s Luis Del Sol, Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo di Stefano in the 1960/61 season. They have been playing very well this season and they'll create tremendous danger. It is not impossible to stop them, but I think the key is to stop the whole team from dominating and try not to let the ball reach one of those folks.
The fact that Barca are the visiting team doesn't mean they'll be defending. I'm sure they'll play "normally" and attack from the first minute unless Guardiola decides otherwise and plays like Chelsea did with 9 defenders and one forward plus a goalie!
When we faced them in December, we managed to contain them. The problem was that we didn't have a good finisher and neither a player who had pace (well, we had Drenthe but he lacked the finishing skills), so the problem was we couldn't kill them off and they had more ball possession, which resulted in pressure on our defense that eventually led to mistakes and goals.
Real Madrid
Guti is definitely out, while Sneijder is doubtful. However, Robben and Heinze are set to play. Many think that Heinze should play, but I'd go with Marcelo as a left-back because he can keep up with Messi in terms of pace. Another advantage is that he can alternate with Robben (If Higuain plays on the right) and so he can contribute to our attack and try to keep Alves and Messi busy on the flank.
Ramos, Cannavaro, and Metzelder will definitely start as there are no any another options. I wish Pepe was available, because he has tremendous quality but I also have faith in Metzelder and his height will be a good thing for us when it comes to corners.
Lass, Gago, Robben and Higuain should be in the midfield. I'm not sure whether Robben will start or not, but in any case, Lass, Gago and Higuain will be there which will leave us with Rau'l and Huntelaar upfront.
Klaas has great finishing skills and Rau'l should be fired up as he is playing Barcelona and and he is in a good mood after the hatrick he scored against Sevilla.
The bottom line
...... is we must win this one. I don't give a heck If we win the league or not, the most important thing for me is we beat Barcelona. I just love how it feels when that happens. I'm not gonna give a prediction, but I can tell you we are capable of winning the Clasico and we'll hopefully put on a great show.
Hala Madrid!
News, Statistics And Interesting Facts
Real Madrid
News
- Guti has picked up an injury during Wednezday's training session and will miss the Clasico.
- Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder are close to recovery and there is a big chance they'll play Barcelona.
Some interesting facts
- Real Madrid haven't lost since the last Clasico in December (Juande Ramos' La Liga debut).
- Real Madrid have more points than Barcelona since the arrival of Juande.
- Real Madrid are the highest scoring visitors in La Liga in 2009.
- For the first time in the their history, Real Madrid managed to win eight straight matches as visitors.
- The Whites are six goals (31) away from breaking the record of 36 goals scored as visitors set in three consecutive years: 85/86, 86/87 and 87/88.
- Real Madrid have three matches to surpass the record of 11 victories as visitors set in 86/87 and 06/07 seasons.
- Real Madrid defeated Sevilla (2-4) on their home turf for the first time in six years.
- No other team in Europe has come close to the 49 points tallied by Real Madrid in 2009.
- Along with Alcorcon and Arsenal, Real Madrid are the only team who has yet to lose this year.
Clasico facts and stats
The last time Real Madrid trashed Barcelona was last year when they won 4-1 with 21 shots, ten of which were on target, 22 crosses into the box, 16 of which were products of collective efforts, and 13 plays inside Barcelona’s box.
Recent Results - Six straight wins in La Liga
- 27 Apr 09 - Sevilla 2-4 Real Madrid
- 21 Apr 09 - Real Madrid 3-2 Getafe
- 18 Apr 09 - Huelva 0-1 Real Madrid
- 12 Apr 09 - Real Madrid 2-0 Valladolid
- 04 Apr 09 - Malaga 0-1 Real Madrid
- 22 Mar 09 -Real Madrid 3-0 Almeria
Barcelona
News
- Rafael Marquez has injuried himself against Chelsea during the Champions League semi-final and will defintely miss the league.
Recent Results - Three draws and three wins (La Liga & UCL)
- 28 Apr 09 - Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea
- 26 Apr 09 - Valencia 2-2 Barcelona
- 22 Apr 09 - Barcelona 4-0 Sevilla
- 18 Apr 09 - Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
- 14 Apr 09 - Bayern Munich 1-1 Barcelona
- 11 Apr 09 - Barcelona 2-0 Huelva
Head to Head
| Team | Win | Draw | Loss | Goals for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 68 | 30 | 59 | 260 |
| Barcelona | 59 | 30 | 68 | 236 |
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RealBlanco said:Sorry,I just realised its the same preview that is on Goal.com
On Real Madrid Vs Racing Santander | La Liga Preview, Podcast & Live Streams
RealBlanco said:Are you the one from goal.com?? Or his fake profile??
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madridista 4life said:even goal goes for the attacking trident so i think that is the one they will l...
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TheAngelOfMadrid said:Interesting..AS says Higuain and Benzema will start today with Granero and Kaka...
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Adambader said:Agreed, but Ruud is unfortunately injuried and so won't play tonight
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22 Madridistas have commented on "Real Madrid Vs Barcelona | EL Clasico Preview" · Add yours
I like the post Adam and I just hope we win as you said that is all I want.. however I do believe Heinze will play left back as other websites have reported as well and I do like Marcelo because of his pace but I dont think Juande will play him as left back.. so my lineup would be Casillas,Ramos,Cannavaro,Metzelder,Heinze,Lass,Gago,Marcelo,Robben,Higuain,Raul.. this leaves with Raul up top and when he plays there he is most effective like we saw last weekend it seems like when him and Huntelaar play togethere Raul drops back alot.. and off the bench we have VDV,Huntelaar,Drenthe,Javi Garica as options. lets just win.. HALA MADRID
Here is the squad list.. Pepe(suspended),Sneijder(injured),Guti(injured).. Salgado,Codina,Saviola off the list due to technical decisions.. Casillas, Dudek, Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Metzelder, Torres; Lass, Gago, Robben, Marcelo, Drenthe, Parejo, Faubert, Van der Vaart, Javi García, Raúl, Huntelaar and Higuaín.
There are 19 players on the squad list and one player will be dropped from the list tommorow
I know this will probably sound stupid....but do you think it would be a good idea if Cannavaro didn't start the match?In order for the back line to be faster.I have a couple of solutions:
Ramos--Metz---Heinze--Marcelo
OR
Torres--Ramos---Metz--Heinze
OR
Ramos--Metz---Heinze--Marcelo
I think the 2nd solution is better than the defence which is being predicted for the game. (I chose the 2nd solution because I would rather play Marcelo as a winger).As For the match I don't agree that it would be really tight and stuff....I'm expecting a very open game full of goals and a great comeback...I'd go for a 3-2 or 4-2 win...with Barcelona being twice infront.
Reply to Danniel:
sorry the last one should have been like this:
Ramos--Matz---Heinze--Torres
(and I like it too haha)
I forgot to mention that we need to score as soon as we could, that will be a huge factor.
I'm all in favour of having a faster back line - but I'm not sure I trust Heinze. His form has been very poor recently, giving away lots of penalties as well. Marcelo should definitely play left midfield. His inclination is to attack, and that's what he should do.
The real pressure is going to fall on Gago. He has the responsibility of breaking up attacks and starting the attack. And with Lass helping out in defensive duties he really can't complain. He has to start showing some reliability.
Somebody mentioned Diego as a possible playmaker for Madrid. I like him, but I don't think he's quite good enough to be Madrid's playmaker. He hasn't quite got the change in pace we need in my opinion.
Robben's return - even if it is just for this game - is a relief. But how is he supposed to get into form if he's always bloody injured?
Huntelaar seems to be out of favour again. Dropped so that Raul can play. I wonder how he must be feeling.
On a positive note Barcelona have been talking down the importance of this clash, saying that even if they lose they will still be 1 point ahead. So they are actually contemplating losing... I don't think it says much for their mental attitude.
Secondly they will play Puyol at the back, and even Raul can give Puyol a run for his money at the moment.
Reply to Caracoleo:
have to agree with you on this one!!!!realmadrid does lack quality palyer they just lack pace!!!that what ferguson pointed out before liverpool clash!!!
Reply to Caracoleo:
Very well-said. Though, I have to disagree on the Robben part. He's on hot-form and he's barely injured anymore. This was his his first real injury in 5 months. Therefore, I again stress he deserves an upgrade to 'the plastic man.' His recovery was very impressive too
Hala Madrid!
I'm still in shock over the Sneijder recovery, it's way more impressive than Robben's. When I said Sneijder was a tough cookie, I didn't expect him to recover so soon but based on his recovery from his last injury where he shortened 3 months to one and a half, he's proved he's a tough cookie.
Reply to Danniel:
Sry, i just don't get the one with Heinze and Metzelder as fullbacks because i don't think Heinze is faster than Cannavaro. Cannavaro was superb in the last 3 El Classico. He was the only defender who hasn't got beaten by Messi one on one yet. it makes no sense to use glumsy Heinze in his place. Thinking about who should be the left back, it annoys me since i don't think we have a "suitable" in the squad(except S.Ramos, but it's impossible). Torres made me worried at the Seville match in which he was abused by Navas, b4 that, he was my priority. Marcelo is fast but he lacks of a sense of "positioning". Heinze seems to be the most suitbale one.....(so pathetic...
Gago should be okay defensively, he was great in the last two matches. But i just worry that he will be humiliated by the best duo "Iniesta and Xavi" cuz his performance against Liverpool, where he got owned by Xabi and Mascherano, makes me worried. I just hope he will have a great performance and not to disappear....!! Barcelono has a bad form(tired), no doubt about it, but if we don't pay attention on defense, it can cost us a lot seems the messi, Eto, and Henry COmbo can kill us even if we only have one little silly turnover. Hala Madrid.!
Guys be sure of the win....even in our last meeting with them we deserved to win.....only if Drenthe scored that easy chance...anyway....there is a thought saying Clasico is for Madridsmo unless proven otherwise....
last thing to say.....where are you Nistlroy...??? we miss you miss you so much...plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz come back soon Van!!!!!
Realmadrid forever....madridsta for ever even if we lost 1000000000000000000 games....hala madrid..
plzzzzz guys....plz madridsta open this followng link and tell that Catalan up he's arrogant....
LINK
he's saying that he's feeling sorry for us cuz his angry team will kick Realmadrid this night....
again plzzz this is the link...
LINK
Reply to realmadridguy81:
I mean tell him to shut up
Reply to realmadridguy81:
take it is easy dude!!! the world is not going to end!!!
So I was just thinking. Why should we buy another central midfielder when we have a great, consistent and Spanish one in our ranks. Yes, you should've guessed it by now, he's Ruben de la Red. He's certainly better than Gago and I feel he can maintain that crucial bond between his position and Lass.
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
exactly!!!i dont know if u would believe me but he is more talented than cesc fabergas!!!
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
We need to know if he is able to play football again or not.
Btw, Clasico live comments here please
LINK
Reply to Adambader:
I've been saying this for ages....even if we don't have De La Red....Parejo is a future star....hear some time ago Arsenal were going to buy him for 10m (his buyout clause)
Which is a VERY high sum for a young player.Also don't forget....we have the other Diarra and if te Diarras play together Lass can play more as a creative midfielder. 
We Already have SO SO many options in the middle.Also, if we buy a central midfielder and keep Jurade...we can say bye to Sneijder and VDV cause they will definatly have no playing time...IT MAKES NO SENSE TO BUY A CENTRAL MIDFIELDER!!!