The clash is regarded as the greatest football match of the year in Europe. Possibly, it is one of the hottest encounters in football ever, being regarded as the “War of the Stars”.
Quick Intro
Only a single point separate the two Spanish giants at the top of the Spanish League table, and Barcelona therefore face the danger of letting the gap expand to 4 good points, if ever they fail to get a victory against Real Madrid in Cataluña this Sunday.
The two sides’ meetings last season – both home and away – incontestably showed how strongly the Catalans were able to impose themselves over their long-time rivals; but with a highly reshuffled Real Madrid side this time around, things could be pretty different this weekend.
The visitors have the mathematical edge going into this titanic clash but will they have the upper hand at the end of the ninety minutes?
In these analyses ahead of the big FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid match, we study Barcelona’s records in previous meetings against Los Blancos, and examine their expectations prior to the clash.
The attention will also be deflected towards Real Madrid as we preview the game from Los Blancos' point of view too.
For the Castellans, we'll take a look at every corner, going from the psychological battles to the tactical choices, from the players' views to Real Madrid's team news, and more...
A Review of El Clásico’s History
First of all, El Clásico – which is also referred to as El derbi ‘español’, ‘El derbi’, ‘¡El SuperClásico!’ or even El clàssic – is a match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Considering the great rivalry between these two big teams, the clash has been one of the biggest league matches in Europe – from its creation, till now – attracting several hundreds of millions of watchers from all over the world.
Over the years, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have switched a few of their big stars, such as Luis Figo or Luis Enrique – but still, it is the Madrid club which seems to have the most popularity in Spain, with over 30% of Spanish football lovers as their fans. Barcelona can only content themselves with a little bit more than 25% of supporters.
Without doubt, the past has witnessed much more surprises than nowadays, when it comes to the results of El Clásico. In 1943, Barca – who are currently considered as the world’s most dangerous football club – suffered one of their biggest losses in their football history, losing 11-1 in the hands of Real Madrid.
Surely, the Blaugrana are not ready to repeat such a humiliating moment this weekend. Rather, they will want to do anything in their power to prevent Los Blancos from turning them into a helpless side – hoping to relive the precious moments they enjoyed last season when they defeated the Castellans 2-0 at the Camp Nou.
The Mental Battle
Despite his young age as a manager, Pep Guardiola is highly respected for his inspiring tactics on the pitch, leading his Barcelona football club to the highest levels in the beautiful game.
Inarguably, it is through their positive psychology on and off the field that the Catalans were able to achieve such a stunning record last season – humbling almost every enemy in Europe.
Perhaps, this is the same fighting spirit that Barca will take with them to face the dazzling lights of Real Madrid. Unluckily, La Liga’s title holders have not really proved to be at their full best in recent weeks, missing a number of points to allow a restless Real to lie at the top of the league table before the ‘Big Day’.
Certainly, the Spanish manager will need to shake off his men to let them come back in top form if ever he is to please his side’s supporters at the gigantic stadium on Sunday.
Unquestionably, Barcelona’s comfortable 2-0 victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League will serve as a huge boost for Guardiola’s players, as it could exemplify the outcome of El Clásico on November 29.
The Referee’s Impact
Looking at the last Barcelona vs Real Madrid encounters that took place in the past few years, it is clear that bad decisions from officials judging the games had significant impacts on the results – often going in Real Madrid’s favor.
Allowed offsides, denied penalties, wrong cards, missing free-kicks… well, all of these mistakes from referees truly contributed to Real Madrid’s success in previous meetings against Barca. On several occasions, the Catalans turned out to be victims of controversial decisions from referees.
If one can recall, the 2006-07 season ended with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona earning the same amount of points in the Spanish League table; nevertheless, Los Blancos – then better known as ‘Los Galacticos’ – ended up with the league trophy, having defeated Barcelona on head-to-head in the two sides’ meetings that year.
This was definitely a tough burden for the Blaugrana to bear, but being fair, a better officiating from referees during the home and away clashes of El Clásico that very season would have probably given Barcelona the advantage; and that was a clear fact.
Last season though, controversy was not really the main subject surrounding El Clásico. On the contrary, it was more the support behind both teams which seemed to decide the final results, and truthfully, it was all about the Catalans.
Speaking of this season’s battle, the story should be no different. Certainly, good decisions from the referee on that day will force both sides to concentrate on giving their all mentally, as well as physically.
In fact, the Estadio Camp Nou is believed to be one of the most intimidating stadiums on earth, and consequently, Real Madrid could be left without any option, apart from the choice of changing their strategy in other to defend their back lines.
Important Quotes From Some Players
No doubts, with both teams possessing some of the world’s best players, everyone would love to see all their stars in action. For Barcelona, there were few doubts over the availability of some players such as Lionel Messi, or Zlatan Ibrahimovic; however, there are many speculations that both aces will feature in the SuperClásico this weekend.
With the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid match getting closer and closer, the tension is getting hotter and hotter.
Alvaro Arbeloa on Lionel Messi
While speaking ahead of the game, this is what Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa said on Barcelona’s Lionel Messi – the scorer of 6 goals in his last 4 El Clásico appearances (three of those were scored in a 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou).
"I think Messi that will be there, I have no doubts... I believe he will be there against us, definitely. I don't think that there is a player in the world who is able to stop Messi.
"It's done from having a lot of help from your team-mates, and from him having a bad day, and from you doing very well.
"There are a lot of factors that you have to have in order to stop him from turning the match. It's difficult for a player to stop Messi.
Gonzalo Higuain on Lionel Messi
Gonzalo Higuain, another Real Madrid player, also spoke about Messi’s availability ahead of the match.
“These games are the most beautiful when the best players are on the pitch. It would be nice if he [Lionel Messi] could be on the field.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on El Clasico and Real Madrid
Earlier on, the Swede striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had assured his fans that he was expecting a start in El Clásico.
"It will be something fantastic, not only for Spanish fans, but for everyone. I'm looking forward to playing this game," he declared.
Ibrahimovic then turned his attention to the difficulties which Los Merengues were facing.
"I do not follow the other games much; I have much to concentrate on. If you look at the results it is clear that things in Madrid are not going perfectly.
"But it is a new project. It takes time to form a squad and they have the potential to be a great team."
Ricardo Kaka's response
In response, Madrid’s Ricardo Kaka preferred to talk about Real Madrid’s positive aspects towards the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid match.
"Barcelona play better than us because they've been playing together for a long time. I think that makes the difference,” he said.
“The understanding between the players needs time. So Barcelona, they play better, but we are better. We are leaders.
"I do not think that Barcelona are the favorites [ahead of El Clásico]. We are first and they are in trouble. It's good to get a one-point lead and if we win we'll take a four-point lead.
"The league is very long and we have many games but it's always good to be first.”
Pep Guardiola on Florentino Perez's millionaires and Lionel Messi
Giving his opinion on the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid encounter, Barca’s manager Pep Guardiola affirmed that Messi would be involved in the game, and also brought his concern on Real Madrid’s big-money spending.
"It's better to face such a game in victory than defeat. They [Real Madrid] are the leaders; but of course, how could they not be after spending $270 million?!!” he said.
"I'm very optimistic that Leo will play."
Well, these are a few quotes which could give us a few ideas on the results of El Clásico…
Without doubt, even if each and every single player on the field will have a big responsibility to assume on Sunday during the Barcelona vs Real Madrid game, Lionel Messi seems to be one of the most important players whom both his mates, as well as his opponents are targeting.
Quick Team News on Barcelona
In any case, after staying on the bench throughout the whole of Barcelona’s game in the Champions League against Inter Milan, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are set to be fit enough to strengthen the Catalans’ front against the league leaders.
French striker Thierry Henry, nonetheless, could be left out in the beginning stages of the Barcelona vs Real Madrid game, as he failed to live up to expectations in midweek.
The France captain is yet to find the back of the net since his infamous hand ball incident against the Republic of Ireland back on November 18th.
As for midfielder Xavi Hernandez, he intends to keep his side’s spirit high, warning Los Blancos about the Blaugrana’s strength of mind, and physical advantages.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's manager Pep Guardiola also expects a nice display from his side, as he remains unconcerned by Real Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga’s table.
The rest of Barcelona’s players including Valdes, Puyol, Iniesta and a host of others are all expected to start the match, in search of a victory that would take them back to the top of the standings in Spain.
Possible Players to Expect for FC Barcelona
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Pedro Rodriguez, Bojan Krkić, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquet, Rafael Marquez, Carles Puyol, and Victor Valdes are all expected to get a feel of this weekend’s FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid clash.
Other players such as Eric Abidal or Daniel Alves are still doubtful...
Facts from the Past
Matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid have always been very interesting for the public, as they were and remain unpredictable.
Overall, since February 17, 1929, El Clásico has been played 158 times. In these 158 meetings, Barcelona have played 62 times as the home side, getting 38 home wins, 12 home draws, and 12 home losses.
Eventually, Barcelona won on 12 occasions at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, 12 of their remaining matches against Real Madrid away from home ended in draws. The 39 others ended in defeats.
Surprisingly, statistics show that Barcelona have lost 8 more times than Real Madrid in El Clásico’s history, and with 242 goals from their part in the rivalry game, the Catalans find themselves 20 goals behind their archrivals in the overall statistics.
Interestingly, this weekend’s game between Barca and Madrid at the Camp Nou will have a lot significance, as Barcelona will also look to reduce Real’s lead in the history of El Clásico. Will they succeed? We are yet to know…
Isaac
Asante’s Predictions ahead of Barcelona v Real Madrid
Depending on the support that they'll receive from thousands of fans on their side at the Camp Nou, Barcelona might be in cruise control in the early minutes of El Clásico.
Real Madrid might then try to frighten Victor Valdes’ goal line through dangerous strikes from Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo (should the Portuguese start); as a result, it will be up to FC Barcelona not to give away too many free-kicks to Real Madrid from close ranges, as Los Blancos possess a number of free-kick experts.
No matter what happens, Lionel Messi will certainly not have a bad day in terms of performance – but ineffectiveness in front of goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s part could make the whole team stumble.
In the end, the team with the earliest goal might be on top of the game.
Barcelona Victory: 2-0
Barcelona Draw: 0-0
Barcelona Defeat: 0-1
Real Madrid analysis ahead of El Clásico:
Now we turn our attention to Sunday’s visitors, Los Blancos. Let’s take a deep view at their current and past status as a team compared to Barcelona.
Recent statistics – Real Madrid apparently second best behind Barcelona
Presently, Barcelona have imposed themselves as the true giants of Spain while Real Madrid have often been criticized since last season for “walking in the Blaugrana’s shadow”.
Since the 1980s, Real Madrid have recorded only three victories at the Camp Nou: A 2-1 win during the 1983-1984 season, another 2-1 win twenty years later, and then a narrow and controversial 1-0 victory in 2007.
Besides, Real Madrid have also conceded 13 goals at the Camp Nou and scored only 8 to wrap up a negative record of three defeats and four draws in nine attempts in this 21st century.
Los Blancos definitely need to change the universal opinion of the public which believes that Barcelona are “from another planet” whereas Real Madrid are “weak pretenders”.
Florentino Perez’s millionaires will have the opportunity to do so on Sunday evening as the “War of the Stars” take place on no other ground than the hyper-intimidating Camp Nou stadium.
Barcelona v Real Madrid: a look at Real Madrid’s Team & Players - Psychology and Tactics
Last season’s 2-0 and 6-2 defeats against Barcelona are still resounding in the troubled souls of the Spanish giants.
“Overturn” and “triumph” are two words that should motivate Real Madrid to find back their pride by beating the “extra-terrestrial” Catalans.
So far this season, Real Madrid have failed to steal the spotlight in big games on the contrary of Barcelona who know how to make fools of big teams.
Apart from the 2-0 victory that they enjoyed against Villarreal (with the services of the instrumental and in-form Cristiano Ronaldo), Real Madrid have not managed to blow away the public with mesmerizing displays and results despite the presence of big star names such as Kaka, Xabi Alonso, or even Karim Benzema.
In the Spanish league for example, Real Madrid looked far from being creative and dominant as Sevilla crushed them 2-1 to leave them with zero points at the end of proceedings.
Criticism against Manuel Pellegrini’s ability to guide his team to success in big and important matches continue to echo everywhere and they might only decrease if Real Madrid defeat Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Sunday evening.
Los Blancos and their coach Manuel Pellegrini know how much pressure and expectations to win surround them – especially after losing the head to head to AC Milan in the Champions League, and after losing on aggregate (4-1) against minnows Alcorcon in the Spanish Cup (a competition where Real Madrid are no more).
There will be no excuse on Sunday. Real Madrid want and have to win against Barcelona at the Camp Nou to restore their degraded glory.
Before last season, El Clásico was seen as one of the most controversial games in the whole of Europe with video evidences often putting Barcelona as clear victims of wrong officiating decisions.
Last season however, the Blaugrana proved to Real Madrid what it meant to take no excuse by winning convincingly in the two legs.
As Barcelona have established themselves as the true team to beat in the Spanish Primera Liga, Real Madrid know that sacrifice and concentration will be needed to triumph on the Catalans’ own turf on Sunday.
Manuel Pellegrini: Be Wise and Conquer Pep Guardiola's Barcelona
However, if the players will have to live up to expectations, the coach will also be the most responsible man behind the final result.
Considering Barcelona’s boldness and extremely attacking style of play boosted by a relatively low amount of mistakes in every part of the field, Real Madrid’s Manuel Pellegrini will have to think and rethink well over his tactical decisions and the approach that his boys should take to win the game.
We’ve seen many teams trying to attack or slow down the pace against Barcelona and they have all failed to get positive results.
Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Lyon, Sevilla, Valencia, and even the 2008 UEFA Champions League winners Manchester United could all testify of Barcelona’s immeasurable potential to make the game of football their own and win with ease.
Manuel Pellegrini could opt to play “anti-football” throughout most of the game with th
e fear of letting Barcelona break through Real Madrid’s goal lines.
In between, chances might fall for Los Blancos who should have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, on-fire Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka, and Raul available.
There is a sensation that Real Madrid will only be allowed to play their style of football in a convincing manner if only Barcelona show early signs of weaknesses – be it through the loss of a player or whatever.
Though luck and accuracy in front of goal will be two major things for Real Madrid to secure a rare win at the Camp Nou, Manuel Pellegrini’s tactical choices will definitely be the essential thing that should play the trick on Barcelona.
The most important thing for the Castellans will be not to concede first. Such a thing could bring disaster on Real Madrid – who keep explaining that they still need time to gel and achieve the expected standards.
In this titanic Barcelona v Real Madrid match, the psychological battle will certainly take over the physical battle that will take place on the pitch.
With the majority of fans around the world tipping Barcelona to emerge as winners from Sunday’s super clash, the desire for Los Blancos to beat the odds will be stronger than ever.
However, lack of physical dominance could sink Real Madrid into a nightmare controlled by frustration, anger, and disillusion.
Real Madrid: Coach and players’ views ahead of El Clásico
Ahead of Sunday’s Barcelona v Real Madrid encounter, some Blancos – including the manager Manuel Pellegrini – decided to share their views. Today, we take a look at some relevant statements that they made.
Cristiano Ronaldo - aiming to play, but managing to win?
The Portuguese superstar – currently the world most expensive signing – spent almost two months on the sidelines and only resumed active football on Wednesday as he featured in the last 20 minutes of the match against FC Zurich.
Cristiano Ronaldo is only readjusting to football after being out for so long and he has revealed that he is not completely fit. Still, the number 9 wishes to play and win against Barcelona at all cost on Sunday.
“Great players always have to play. I didn’t score today, but I hope to do so in the next game,” Cristiano Ronaldo said after Real Madrid’s Champions League victory at home to Zurich.
“I want to play in El Clásico if I feel well. But it is up to the coach [to play Ronaldo or not].”
How difficult is it going to be for Cristiano Ronaldo to score or outshine everyone for the first ever time against Barcelona?
The former Manchester United number 7 talisman played thrice against Barcelona in his career and he has experienced mixed results and emotions:
A goalless draw damaged by his penalty miss, a vital 1-0 victory that sent him to his first-ever UEFA Champions League final with the Mancunians, and a 2-0 final match defeat that saw him miss out on a second consecutive European title with the Red Devils.
Above all the difficulty that Barcelona’s defense (led by Puyol) might present on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo could be the victim of even more pressure, frustration, and misery as it is believed that Catalan ultras will taunt him.
According to sources, Barcelona fans – who find offensive the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo now wears Ronaldo’s number 9 shirt at Real Madrid – will be singing:
“Ai solo un Ronaldo, Ai solo un Ronaldo, Ai solo un Ronaldo y no es Português” which means "There is only one Ronaldo, there is only one Ronaldo, there is only one Ronaldo and he is not Portuguese"
The fans will also be showing a large banner in the form of a jersey with the number 9 inscribed on it in honor of Brazil’s Ronaldo (who played for Barca in the late 90s) and against Cristiano Ronaldo.
Pepe on El Clasico and Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese defender is very focused and determined ahead of the match. Pepe has called on the rest of his mate to give all of their efforts on Sunday if they are to win at the Camp Nou against Barcelona, who are still unbeaten in the league.
Pepe told the media:
“It is an important game [El Clásico]. We are very motivated and we can win there if we sacrifice ourselves.”
Talking about Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebrated return to action ahead of the Real Madrid v Barcelona encounter, Pepe concluded:
“I see him with a lot of hunger. He will be very important for us this Sunday and he can help us to win.”
Raul Albiol on Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barcelona
Meanwhile, Raul Albiol rather reflected on Cristiano Ronaldo’s rival and Barcelona’s currently-injured ace Lionel Messi.
The Spanish defender stated:
“I’m not pleased by the injury of any player although we might benefit from his absence. He [Lionel Messi] is a fundamental player for Barcelona and one of the best in the world.
“However, there are other players who can replace him,” Albiol underlined before comparing the two main players to watch on Sunday:
“They [Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi] are different players who can win games on their own so if Messi does not recover in time, it will obviously be a big blow.”
Gonzalo Higuain on Real Madrid
For the Argentine striker, Lionel Messi’s possible absence only comes as a misery by the fact that it will remove a bit of taste to the game.
However, Higuain preferred to focus on Real Madrid’s mathematical advantage in the Spanish Primera Liga as Los Blancos occupy the first place.
The striker told AS:
“I want the best players in my team to be fit. What happens with Barcelona is up to them.
“The important thing for us is to go with enthusiasm at the Camp Nou. To get a victory there will be a blow to them [Barcelona] in the table.
“It will be so important because we would then go four points clear of them in La Liga.”
Alvaro Arbeloa - excited and confident
The former Liverpool defender, like Kaka, Benzema, and others, will be playing his first Clasico and he is relishing the upcoming challenge.
He told Goal.com:
“[I’ll approach the game] with great desire. As we’ve seen [with Barcelona] this week, it will be a very difficult game because they play great football and I’m sure that it will be an incredible battle.”
According to Arbeloa, Real Madrid will enter Sunday’s Clasico with one feeling: confidence.
Manuel Pellegrini reflecting on Real Madrid
Finally, the thoughts of the manager… at the anxiety of most Real Madrid fans, Manuel Pellegrini seems more wary than upbeat although he has rejected thoughts that Barcelona were miles ahead of his team.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s narrow victory against FC Zurich in Europe, the Chilean manager stated:
“The Barca clash is different. They have a very clear concept whereas we are in search of things that are different now comparing to what it was in the years back."
Lamenting his team’s display in the Champions League on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s Clasico, Pellegrini avowed:
“We are concerned because it is not how we want to play. This is not the technical game that I like. But on the other hand, we are very secure defensively.”
The coach then numbered his side’s defects. He stated:
“We lack creativity, as well as greater mobility, and a bit of luck. We had opportunities and we did not put them away.”
Quick team news and possible starting line-up:
Real Madrid will be without the services of Raul Albiol who suffered a knee injury against FC Zurich during midweek.
Veteran midfielder Guti has also been ruled out from the El Clásico through injury. The 33-year-old has a thigh injury and is still under recovery.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo is back for Los Blancos and could feature for at least 45 minutes. The Portuguese playmaker is yet to find back the form that he had in the beginning of the season.
Ronaldo has just returned from his long-time injury so Manuel Pellegrini might prefer not to risk him for the full 90 minutes.
Real Madrid’s possible line-up:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Arbeloa, Marcelo
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lassana Diarra
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Higuain,
Angela Asante’s predictions ahead of Barcelona v Real Madrid
The least tactical errors that Real Madrid will commit will bring them disaster. If they decide to play an attacking game like they way they approached AC Milan at the San Siro, then Los Blancos are definitely going to succumb to a defeat (humiliating or tormenting) against Barcelona.
The best thing to do will be to make the most of Victor Valdes’ sloppiness in post. Aggression will be needed for Real Madrid to fool Barcelona and hit them hard at every opportunity, especially in the early stages.
Efficiency from set pieces will also be vital as well as possession. In general, Los Blancos will not only have to play a perfect game but also play a wise game in terms of formation and approach.
What they’ll need to do is to hold on to their nerves as Barcelona could score at any given time.
If Real Madrid don’t back up from their recent performances, there is no doubt that the best thing they might afford will be a draw.
Real Madrid victory: 2-1
Real Madrid draw: 0-0
Real Madrid defeat: 0-1 or an emphatic loss.
