If securing a draw at the Bernabeu was something difficult for Mourinho and his men to accomplish considering the amount of possession Barca had, tomorrow night's clash represents a huge test of character and determination for Los Blancos. If there was a match that possesses the real ecstatic atmosphere of a Clasico, it has to be in a massive cup final, where more than just pride is at stake.
Nevertheless, both teams are already looking forward for the encounter tomorrow with the outcome of it set to play a pivotal role in numerous aspects as the season edges towards its ending. We have already discussed about the new tactic employed by Jose Mourinho and how Barcelona can overcome it HERE. But to be fair, even Real Madrid face a mountain to climb and no matter whatever it takes to complete the climb, Mourinho and his men have no other choice then to battle all the way to the top.
In the 2011 Clasico marathon of four games this time around, the last two will be Champions League ties- something that directly influences that dimension of tomorrow's clash. Mourinho's decision to supervise his midfield with three defensive minded lads being named in their starting line-up shouldn't have surprised anyone considering the major run-in of Clasico marathon in the space of 18 days.
It was definitely an act of conservation from the Special One as he massively tried to balance the focus on defending as well as attacking. Nonetheless, something similar or even more defensive could be expected tomorrow. Any bets on why do we say so?
Basically, the team that leaves Mestalla with pride in their bag will almost impeccably have a psychological advantage over the other team. Probably a massive part of it is due to tomorrow's event being a FINAL in it's own terms. In comparison to Barcelona, Real Madrid can not afford a defeat tomorrow or else we could very much expect to see the Catalans cruising into the semi-finals unless Mourinho comes up with another ultimate defensive tactic.
How many times has this been repeated all over the years. Sir Alex Ferguson once famously admitted that he could have been sacked if he did not lift the FA Cup in 1990. Winning the first trophy is always crucial for a manager to use it as a platform to greater achievements.
To make things worse for him, it has been quite some time since Los Blancos lifted any major silverware and this definitely adds pressure to Mourinho's task for the battle in Mestalla tomorrow. The first trophy is always the hardest to win but once it is achieved, then future success will flow in a similar wavelength to Madrid.
The Special One has always stressed that the current set-up at the Santiago Bernabeu is a long-term project. However, his arrival at the club coincided with the departure of Manuel Pellegrini. While his sacking was always equaled to his failure in the Champions League, Mourinho's first season with Los Blancos will not be translated as a successful one unless their dusty trophy cabinet is opened at the end of the season.
In conclusion, the Copa del Rey Final represents the perfect chance for them to accomplish some success this season and believe us that the possible triumph for Madrid will be even more sweeter as it ultimately came from a Clasico by itself.
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