It’s coming. Yes, we could all see it coming when the fixtures were made. It’s coming because there is still an imbalance and yes, because Mourinho still needs to have the last laugh.
What does this El Clasico bring to us?
Well, it clearly brings us a chance to get our revenge for the previous clashes, where according to me; it was decided by poor finishing and lack of luck. It means Ronaldo has another 180 minutes or so to prove he’s not a big game choker. It means Mourinho has another chance to prove that he’s the master of tactics. And it gives us a chance to get extremely close to our second Copa del Rey in a year.
Against the best team in the world?
As a personal opinion, we’re not up against the best team in the world. It’s TWO of the best teams in the world battling out against each other. Barca’s play might be possession oriented but ours is more effective. They might have an overpowering style but ours is more flamboyant. It’s simple as wine and rum, like chalk and cheese. Like Ronaldo and Messi. Can’t be compared, only liked or disliked. So, if you’re having goosebumps about whether we’re up for the challenge, I’ll remind you in case you’ve forgotten, we have the best players in the world along with the best manager. I’m not assuming we’re already winning the cup, but it’ll be another interesting duel, another majestic one that will be sorted out by the nitty gritties. Luck, posts, crossbar, referee calls, offsides, hand balls, deflections, dives, unfair red cards – we’ll have to see which of it decides this tie. Obviously, I’m not discounting the hard work that will be required to win both these matches, but in games like these, as we’ve seen before, it’s always the minutest details that decide the tie.
Too many El Clasicos?
What beats my thinking is why are people criticizing the plethora of El Clasicos that are coming? We are witnessing two of the best teams in the world, with the best players in the world and we’re complaining about that. Playing each other ‘so often’ doesn’t mean any less fervour or enthusiasm from either the players or the fans. Neither does it mean that the game loses its charm. Every Clasico we’ve witnessed has given us something different. I bet you’ll have the exact nervousness before these games in the Copa del Rey, like you had for the ones before. If anybody has to worry about the El Clasicos, it’s Mou and Pep. They’re the ones orchestrating the teams, we’re just the audience, waiting to be enthralled by the most brilliant tactical, entertaining games in recent times. Lo and Behold!
Hungry for more pre-Clásico food?! Then see Muna and @footballstrat's written answers to the topics we discussed in the pre-Clásico Q&A, Aaron's selection of hot and not hot players, Karan's tactics analysis, Ankit's approach to this Real Madrid-Barça, ZeusZidane's insights regarding our RB problem and Apakshit's preview.
Well spoken, especially the style of play comparison, there is simply no better way to describe it. The intriguing question is what will Mourinho do tatics wise? Play toe to toe? Play defensively and hit on the counter? Will Ronaldo rise to the challenge?
I have nothing against Cristiano personally, and I don't like it when he's being mocked or given a hard time, but honestly I'm not sure I'm so looking forward to seeing him prove that he's not a big game choker, simply because I don't trust him on that. (That's when he scores a hat-trick and makes a fool of me, you know!) If fit, I wouldn't mind seeing Di María-Callejón for instance.
Gaëlle as exciting as it would be for you to point out that Cristiano's lack-luster performances have been anything but worthy in the clasicos', you cant deny the plethora of fear and edge he brings to Barcelona's defense.
Let's face it, he NEEDS to be in the starting eleven because when he has TWO defenders on his toes every clasico (and quiet possibly every game) he opens up the play. His uselesness is not a result of his "cant perform in big games" mantra but rather the center forwards (Cajellon, Di Maria, Ozil) not fighting for the ball. I promise you, watch where the ball is during the game and you will see that more than 80% of the time its on Barca's half and Barcelona is playing thier usual "tiki-taka" crap passing.
Believe me, I save the best judgement for last and those usually go to the strikers up front (Higuain & Benzema) for they cannot perform in big games if you ask me. Or is it the Clasico's?
All I know is Benz and El Pipito need to learn how to finish and not choke more than half the time they shoot. At least Ronaldo stays on target.
As usual, my hat's off to Xabi Alonso and Coentrao because they are always shining during clasicos...and of course Cristiano Ronaldo, after all I am his biggest fan ;-)
So far the only way we've stopped Barcelona has been to play an enforcer like Pepe in midfield. When monster Pepe thumps down his feet, the little midgets run like hell. I want Mou to repeat that, because cutting out their passing game is key. I don't even think Di Maria will start against Barca. It'll be -
Coentrao-----Ramos---Albiol-----Marcelo
----------------Xabi---Pepe---Lass------------
-------------Ozil-----Benzema----Ronaldo--
Gee siempre, a bit too defensive no?
[...] read more about the upcoming Clásico? Then see Aaron’s selection of hot and not hot players, Karan’s views about another Clásico and what to expect from it, and Ankit’s Dr Jekill & Mr Hyde [...]
Hax, I disagree with you on certain points, but of course I respect Cristiano's biggest fan's opinion too :-) If you have a listen to our pre-Clásico Q&A, you'll hear things that you'll like a lot I think .-D - And others that you will disagree with, especially regarding Benzema. But Cristiano's honor is safe!
[...] Clásico pregame show as he was on it! He also shared his views about yet another Clásico here. And if you want to read more, then see Muna and @footballstrat’s written answers to the [...]
