The following Q & A from GolTV announcers and soccer experts Ray Hudson and Phil Schoen offers their perspective on Saturday’s Clásico and a preview of what is to come in the Copa final.
GolTV's Ray Hudson and Phil Schoen Q&A
El Clásico: April 16, 2011
1.) Were you surprised by the outcome of the Clásico? Why or why not?
RH: Given the implications of this first of 4 Clásicos, I wasn’t surprised at the final scoreline. Real Madrid simply had to play a more conservative game than they did in the corresponding fixture where they tried to beat Barca at their own game and failed miserably, while Barca seemed to be playing at a less frenetic place knowing that their league championship quest has the security of an 8 point lead.
A lot of people had predicted a draw or a one goal difference and the game played out that way, a very close, well-contested game with both sides weary of each others strengths and both coaches did a good job nullifying the others potency in front of goal.
PS: I actually thought that was going to be the score, but the way the game developed it still came as a bit of a surprise. I knew Jose Mourinho would try to prove to everybody, including his team, that they could play with Barcelona after getting blown at the Camp Nou earlier this season.
2.) What were some of the highlights for you from this match?
RH: Pepe's outstanding defensive midfield performance was a revelation and the amount of outstanding defensive work he got through to stifle Barcas broad and deep attack was quite amazing given that he has always been a central defender. Think of the world’s best central defenders and then imagine them in a central midfield holding position against Barcelona; I imagine most of them would get thoroughly embarrassed and look utterly lost.
Pepe looked magnificent, covering the entire field with energy and desire the whole game and he was extremely comfortable in possession as well as being a constant threat in attack from set pieces. For all the hugely gifted attacking footballers littering the field of play, Pepe’s performance was the real show stealer for me.
Also, the very debatable penalty claim for a Barcelona penalty when Casillas seemed to bring down Villa as he dived at the strikers onrushing goal attempt in the first half. It was an extremely close call for the ref to make but replay showed Casillas making contact with the player a split second before the ball but nothing was given by the ref.
PS: The way that Pepe stepped up to the challenge after Mourinho threw him into the midfield was impressive. Real Madrid missed Mesut Özil on the offensive end, as you could see when he came into the game in the second half, but if it wasn't for Pepe Barcelona could have taken control of the game early.
3.) How do you think the teams will adjust their strategies going into the Copa del Rey final?
RH: I imagine both teams will ratchet their overall attacking games up a notch for sure. A one game final means that goals matter more than ever so both teams will be desperate to go ahead. Barca only knows one way to play and that is all out attack anyway but I imagine them being more sharp, hungry and eager in the Copa Del Rey Final-Guardiola may include Macherano for the injured Puyol but inherently, it will be the same old, vibrant Barcelona attacking system.
For Mourinho's Real Madrid, this is their greatest opportunity for a trophy this season and while it is far less significant than the La Liga crown, it will still be treasured. Real Madrid may look to add another creative midfielder, Ozil I would imagine, and perhaps even push Marcello into a more attack minded position.
PS: I doubt we'll see the same in the midfield, especially since Albiol will be suspended for his red card on Saturday. It's a different mentality in a one-off game like a cup final. The injury to Carles Puyol is going to stretch Barcelona's back line a bit thin, especially with Eric Abidal still out after his liver surgery.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Gabi Milito come in - or perhaps with Mascherano available they could drop Busquets to the back line again.
It is a Copa del Rey final though, so I expect all of the stars that can walk to be out there at the start.
4.) Which of the two matches matters more to each team?
RH: I think for Barca both of these games were vital but for Real Madrid I think the Copa Final is crucial. It’s their clearest shot at beating their eternal rival and putting one over on them, hoisting the cup. Barca knows this and will be more than ready. A monumentally big game for Mourinho, with one bullet in his rifle.
He’ll know that in the Champions League over two games, it’s an entirely different proposition. He’s failed to beat Barca this year, even in front of the tremendous Madrid fans in this last Clásico and in the Mestalla, where Barca were brilliant this season against Valencia, it will be even harder.
PS: I think they are all important but for different reasons. Obviously on Wednesday, the Copa del Rey crown is at stake. Barcelona wants it back, but for Real Madrid it's their easiest route to win some silverware this season.
The second leg of the Champions League semifinal at the Camp Nou will be the decider on who advances to the final at Wembley.
However, the first leg of that tie is Real Madrid's best chance to throw down the gauntlet. We saw it in three of the four quarterfinals that one team pretty much knocked out their opponents by dominating that first leg.
And the first match, even though it ended in a tie could be said to be the most important because if Barcelona would have run away with that, the other three dominoes could have fallen a lot more easily.
5.) What are your predictions for the outcome of this final? What should viewers expect to see?
RH: Barcelona wins IF Real Madrid don’t capitalize on any early chances. Especially in a one game, all or nothing Final, the greatest demand will be in taking your opportunities. By their imperious standards of late Barca have been missing the back of the net, or all of their spellbinding possession attack.
Villa and Messi are in a bit of a goal scoring drought from open play so the onus will be on Marid to score and if they do,the balance will swing their way. Still, it’s difficult to imagine Barcas top goal scorers not hitting pay dirt soon. A helter skelter football match is surely in the offing and I see Madrid being even more desperate for a victory than they were even on Saturday. Strap yourselves in, good and tight.
PS: I think we'll see more tactics from Real, and while I think we'll see them push forward in the first half when the opportunity is there, it's more likely that Mourinho will have them try to frustrate Barcelona for as long as possible.
It could be a duplicate of Saturday's game, but with an even greater push late from both teams if they can avoid any more red cards.
With so many huge games on the schedule this month I don't think they want this to go to extra time!
If it wasn't for the injuries to Barcelona's central defense, I think they'd have the edge, especially with all the running Real Madrid had to do on Saturday. However, it's a cup final. Özil, Higuain and Adebayor should be fit so I think it could tip either way.
El Clásico: April 16, 2011
1.) Were you surprised by the outcome of the Clásico? Why or why not?
RH: Given the implications of this first of 4 Clásicos, I wasn’t surprised at the final scoreline. Real Madrid simply had to play a more conservative game than they did in the corresponding fixture where they tried to beat Barca at their own game and failed miserably, while Barca seemed to be playing at a less frenetic place knowing that their league championship quest has the security of an 8 point lead.
A lot of people had predicted a draw or a one goal difference and the game played out that way, a very close, well-contested game with both sides weary of each others strengths and both coaches did a good job nullifying the others potency in front of goal.
PS: I actually thought that was going to be the score, but the way the game developed it still came as a bit of a surprise. I knew Jose Mourinho would try to prove to everybody, including his team, that they could play with Barcelona after getting blown at the Camp Nou earlier this season.
2.) What were some of the highlights for you from this match?
RH: Pepe's outstanding defensive midfield performance was a revelation and the amount of outstanding defensive work he got through to stifle Barcas broad and deep attack was quite amazing given that he has always been a central defender. Think of the world’s best central defenders and then imagine them in a central midfield holding position against Barcelona; I imagine most of them would get thoroughly embarrassed and look utterly lost.
Pepe looked magnificent, covering the entire field with energy and desire the whole game and he was extremely comfortable in possession as well as being a constant threat in attack from set pieces. For all the hugely gifted attacking footballers littering the field of play, Pepe’s performance was the real show stealer for me.
Also, the very debatable penalty claim for a Barcelona penalty when Casillas seemed to bring down Villa as he dived at the strikers onrushing goal attempt in the first half. It was an extremely close call for the ref to make but replay showed Casillas making contact with the player a split second before the ball but nothing was given by the ref.
PS: The way that Pepe stepped up to the challenge after Mourinho threw him into the midfield was impressive. Real Madrid missed Mesut Özil on the offensive end, as you could see when he came into the game in the second half, but if it wasn't for Pepe Barcelona could have taken control of the game early.
3.) How do you think the teams will adjust their strategies going into the Copa del Rey final?
RH: I imagine both teams will ratchet their overall attacking games up a notch for sure. A one game final means that goals matter more than ever so both teams will be desperate to go ahead. Barca only knows one way to play and that is all out attack anyway but I imagine them being more sharp, hungry and eager in the Copa Del Rey Final-Guardiola may include Macherano for the injured Puyol but inherently, it will be the same old, vibrant Barcelona attacking system.
For Mourinho's Real Madrid, this is their greatest opportunity for a trophy this season and while it is far less significant than the La Liga crown, it will still be treasured. Real Madrid may look to add another creative midfielder, Ozil I would imagine, and perhaps even push Marcello into a more attack minded position.
PS: I doubt we'll see the same in the midfield, especially since Albiol will be suspended for his red card on Saturday. It's a different mentality in a one-off game like a cup final. The injury to Carles Puyol is going to stretch Barcelona's back line a bit thin, especially with Eric Abidal still out after his liver surgery.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Gabi Milito come in - or perhaps with Mascherano available they could drop Busquets to the back line again.
It is a Copa del Rey final though, so I expect all of the stars that can walk to be out there at the start.
4.) Which of the two matches matters more to each team?
RH: I think for Barca both of these games were vital but for Real Madrid I think the Copa Final is crucial. It’s their clearest shot at beating their eternal rival and putting one over on them, hoisting the cup. Barca knows this and will be more than ready. A monumentally big game for Mourinho, with one bullet in his rifle.
He’ll know that in the Champions League over two games, it’s an entirely different proposition. He’s failed to beat Barca this year, even in front of the tremendous Madrid fans in this last Clásico and in the Mestalla, where Barca were brilliant this season against Valencia, it will be even harder.
PS: I think they are all important but for different reasons. Obviously on Wednesday, the Copa del Rey crown is at stake. Barcelona wants it back, but for Real Madrid it's their easiest route to win some silverware this season.
The second leg of the Champions League semifinal at the Camp Nou will be the decider on who advances to the final at Wembley.
However, the first leg of that tie is Real Madrid's best chance to throw down the gauntlet. We saw it in three of the four quarterfinals that one team pretty much knocked out their opponents by dominating that first leg.
And the first match, even though it ended in a tie could be said to be the most important because if Barcelona would have run away with that, the other three dominoes could have fallen a lot more easily.
5.) What are your predictions for the outcome of this final? What should viewers expect to see?
RH: Barcelona wins IF Real Madrid don’t capitalize on any early chances. Especially in a one game, all or nothing Final, the greatest demand will be in taking your opportunities. By their imperious standards of late Barca have been missing the back of the net, or all of their spellbinding possession attack.
Villa and Messi are in a bit of a goal scoring drought from open play so the onus will be on Marid to score and if they do,the balance will swing their way. Still, it’s difficult to imagine Barcas top goal scorers not hitting pay dirt soon. A helter skelter football match is surely in the offing and I see Madrid being even more desperate for a victory than they were even on Saturday. Strap yourselves in, good and tight.
PS: I think we'll see more tactics from Real, and while I think we'll see them push forward in the first half when the opportunity is there, it's more likely that Mourinho will have them try to frustrate Barcelona for as long as possible.
It could be a duplicate of Saturday's game, but with an even greater push late from both teams if they can avoid any more red cards.
With so many huge games on the schedule this month I don't think they want this to go to extra time!
If it wasn't for the injuries to Barcelona's central defense, I think they'd have the edge, especially with all the running Real Madrid had to do on Saturday. However, it's a cup final. Özil, Higuain and Adebayor should be fit so I think it could tip either way.
