Barcelona had completed a memorable double over their cut-throat Spanish rivals Real Madrid in the 2013/14 La Liga. Could Real Madrid master the energy to keep the Catalan giants from claiming their third scalp by preventing them from sweeping home the 2014 Copa del Rey, More importantly, could they do it without their top player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was out injured?
These are the questions that hang in the air as the mouth-watering clash between two of Spains biggest clubs drew nearer and nearer, the promise of silverware at the end of the duel lending the match even more glamour.
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Both of the clubs undisputed talismen, Real’s Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Messi were missing in one way or the other as the April 16 kickoff drew approached – Messi through an apparent dip in form and his nemesis through injury.
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Would Messi, who was at least physically available for the match-up turn up his game for the occasion?
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Having faced two defeats already in one season, Madrid super-trainer Carlo Ancelotti was very clear as to how he wanted his charges to play the third time around.
Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona Stats | La Liga 2013/14 (Courtesy BBC Sport):
"We played very well at the Bernabeu but we made some mistakes. We did well during 30 minutes; tomorrow [April 16th] we have 90," he said.
"Barcelona had more ball possession in the last few matches. We have to stop them from doing that in order to win."
"We've worked to avoid the mistakes we made at the Bernabeu. We will try to play with our style and identity. We worked all year long to be able to do it tomorrow."
"There isn't a problem with motivating the players. The players have a lot of desire to win."
Would Real be able to implement the Italian's advice?
Would new La Liga poster boys, Real’s Gareth Bale and Barca’s Neymar shine enough to eclipse their more accomplished peers?
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