When you have the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the pitch at the same time it is quite natural to expect a very attacking game from both sides. However in a match as big as this it is vital that equal importance be given to defence.
Barcelona who's weakest area in recent years had been regarded as their defence have seemed like a changed team this season. Whereas their front three has grabbed all the limelight it is important to bear in mind that they have conceded just 16 goals in 27 games in La Liga. Gerard Pique's renaissance this season has played a big part to this. The Spaniard had been regarded as one of the best centre backs in the world following his move from Man United. During his initial years at the club Pique did show what a huge talent he was however his performances took a downward spiral from then on..jpg?q=75&w=634)
This season he has been his commanding self and he will be hoping he can have the same influence as his former partner in crime Carles Puyol. Barcelona have also benefited from investing in a defender in the summer having ignored the position for a fairly long time. In Jeremy Mathieu they have a strong defender with a fast turns of pace and hoards of experience.
He has made an impression since sealing his move to the Catalan club and has managed more interceptions per game in La Liga (2.7) than any other player in the squad this season.
Real Madrid on the other hand have seen their top spot in the league table slip away from them. Whereas their attacking players are to blame for that too, Real Madrid have often been shocking at the back. Arguably their worst defensive performance in a while came in the match against Schalke nine days back, when the German side scored four times at the Bernabeu and nearly clinched a place in the Quarter-Final of the competition.
The Madrid faithful will breathe a sigh of relief with Sergio Ramos available for selection for the match against Barca. The Spaniard has often been criticised for being too volatile and not mentally focused. However when on song, he is arguably one of the best defenders in the world. He averages more interceptions (2.7) and blocks per game (0.7) in La Liga than any other player in the squad and Madrid will need his leadership as well as defensive skills to contain a Barcelona attack which has been rampant as of late.
Real Madrid have the advantage over their counterparts as far as recent outings are concerned with Los Blancos having won three out of the last five matches played between the two sides. One can always expect goals when the two European giants clash and there have been three or more goals in each of the last five matches between the two sides. This includes a seven goal thriller when the two sides met in March 2014, with the tie ultimately settled by a late goal from Lionel Messi. With both sides having heavily invested in attacking talents, one can expect a high scoring match.
The match started in extraordinary fashion when the two sides met in the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu with Neymar scoring only in the fourth minute. However Barcelona were unable to capitalise on that and went on to the lose the match. There have been goals in the first 20 minutes in each of the last five matches and with the attacking talents in both the club it will not come as a surprise if an early goal is scored.
Real Madrid were the more dominant side when the two sides met earlier in the season but the match this time around will hardly be a one sided affair. The Barcelona front three have hit the ground running and Messi has been as lethal as ever. Real Madrid attackers on the other hand are raring to show their talents as well and defenders from both sides will have big roles to play.
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