Barcelona Aim to Win, As Real Madrid Look to Further Cement Their place on top Table

Well folks, it’s finally here, El grande Classic, Barcelona host their arch rivals and current league leaders Real Madrid on Saturday. Both clubs were subjected to shock loses in the first leg of champions league semi finals. Real Madrid conceded a late goal, while Barcelona failed to score after falling behind in the first half against London Club Chelsea Fc. Saturday represents the second instalment of el Classico action in 2011/2012 season, and the pressure is on Pep Guardiola's men to pick up all three points at Home ground. Barcelona currently are on a streak of 54 games unbeaten at home. Real Madrid has managed 4 wins out of the last 5 games played in the primera division, scoring 17 goals in total and with only 4 goals conceded. Barcelona on the other hand has won 5 out of 5 scoring 14 goals and conceding 2 goals in the process. Barcelona managed an easy victory the last time the two sides met at the Bernabeu Stadium in the Spanish Capital.Karim Benzema Put the hosts ahead scoring the fastest goal in elclassico history when he capitalized on Victor Valdes mistake. The lead didn’t last long though, as Chilean Forward Alexi Snachez equalized for the Blaugrana in the 30^th minute. An unlucky own goal from real Madrid defender Marcelo and a strike from Francis Fabregas ensured the Catalans leave the capital with all 3 points.

The superiority of one player over the other has been widely disputed among soccer fans

All eyes will be on the two superstars Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Former Chelsea manager and Luis Philippe Scolari was quoted saying in a recent interview:

''The only bad thing about Cristiano's life is Messi. If it wasn't for Messi, Cristiano would be the best player in the world for five consecutive years."

Indeed the two players have been neck and neck in the goal scorer’s chart each managing 41 goals in the domestic league. Athletico Madrid Striker Ramdel falcao stands third with 22 goals; this is a great indication of the two player’s quality. The two of them on the same field is no doubt a great spectacle. It’s a game not to be missed.


Injuries and line ups
Oddly we are spared the customary, Mourinho show before the game as the Portuguese manger is not looking to give anything away in regards to tactics.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi had the following to say regarding the match (crunch sports.com):
Madrid has played in various ways but we have not changed out style of play in any game. "We have always wanted the ball in order to have those long possessions that help us control the game and, from there, try to win the match. 

"We cannot change our game now. We have done it against all rivals, and against Madrid at their home, too."So, we will try to attack more so than ever, having the ball more than ever and go on the attack more than ever to win the match."

Madrid manager has a full squad to call upon for the big occasion, Xabi Alonso returns after serving a suspension. While Ricardho carvalho and, French international Lassana Diarra remain out due to injury.
Alexi Sanchez picked up a knock in the champions league clash on Wednesday and remains doubtful to make an appearance. Pep Guardiola will also be without first pick left back Eric abidal as the defender is currently recovering from surgery.

Probable Line Ups

Valdes
Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol
Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
Fabregas, Messi, Pedro

Barcelona will be looking to systematically expose Real Madrid s defense, with Messi lurking behind defenders at every chance, the real defenders will need to be on their toes, as messi and co are experts at beating the offside trap.

Real Madrid

Casillas Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo Khedira, Alonso Ronaldo , Ozil,Di Maria Benzema

Real Madrid central defenders will have their work cut out for them, as Master tactician Jose Mourinho would have surly watched Chelsea nullify the barca attack by crowding the center, it most likely that  he  instructs  his players  to sit deep and hit on the counter.  Ramos or Pepe are likely to be sent off as it’s become a customary event in recent years.

Final Verdict

Barcelona  are very consistent on the way they play ,and insist on sure passes , quick one tows and deadly pace on the counter ,they are what most experts call a compete team . Their advantage over real Madrid is the fact that Barcelona defend as a team, where real Madrid wingers are reluctant to track back, exposing the flanks. This leaves much space for players like Danni Alves and Adriano, who both posses a great attacking threat. So considering these facts I see another victory for Barcelona over their arch rivals at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona                                        Real Madrid

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