5 points clear at the top
3 points at the Camp Nou last Sunday in the big clash against Real Madrid allowed Pep Guardiola’s boys to find themselves back at the top of the table with 2 points ahead of Los Blancos.
The Catalans were then aiming to extend the gap to 5 points when they visited Xerez on Tuesday evening, and indeed, despite the lack of pace and organization they showed against the bottom side, they managed to obtain a 2-0 win which helped them reached their target.
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.
La Liga’s Most Heated Rivals FC Barcelona & Real Madrid Take the Field in Biannual Battle for Spanish Pride and Glory Exclusively on GolTV
MIAMI – Nov. 23, 2009 – GolTV, the only bilingual channel delivering 24/7 soccer, will telecast live coverage of La Liga’s most anticipated match between rivals FC Barcelona and Real Madrid as they compete in El Clásico on Sunday, Nov. 29. Currently the top ranked clubs in La Liga, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off for the first time this season at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain.
Starting at 12:00 noon EST GolTV is committing two extra hours of programming time around the match to give soccer enthusiasts the in-depth, pre- and post-game analysis they demand. Additionally, GolTV is sending legendary sportscasters Luis Omar Tapia and Eduardo Biscayart to Barcelona’s Camp Nou to provide live exclusive, Spanish-language commentary throughout the match, delivered in their uniquely dynamic styles.
Stories from the past
The two sides met on several occasions out of the Spanish League competition, but unquestionably, their most entertaining meetings took place this year, as both sides met in the Copa del Rey final, and then went on to decide the Spanish Super Cup title.
In all, Barcelona were definitely the conquerors, humiliating the Basques 4-1 at the Mestalla stadium to clinch their first domestic cup last season, and enjoying an aggregate 5-1 score line later on in the Super Cup.
Of course, these facts prove how well the defending Spanish League champions have often managed to come out on top of Athletic Bilbao.
Not the time to relax
The league leaders’ crushing 6-1 victory against Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou made many fans believe that the Catalans were back on track for good, as they had previously failed to get a win in two consecutive games.
Well, after such a brilliant result, it didn’t really look like things were at their very best for the Blaugrana, following a disappointing draw to Osasuna trough a late Gerard Pique own goal.
Barcelona still have more time ahead of them to strengthen their foundation, but it is clear that this weekend’s game at home to Real Mallorca will be a glorious chance for them to prove themselves again in front of their own fans.
Barca brilliantly bounced back from a weak form that saw them go two games without a win in the league and the Champions League, but another challenge is still awaiting them away from home.
The First Leg
One could expect this game to be dominated by the Catalans, bearing in mind that Barcelona have successfully regained their shape; yet, it is the first leg’s story which seems to make the excitement ahead of this game huge.
Barcelona were stunned by 2 goals to 1 in their own stadium several days ago by the Russian side Rubin Kazan, and unquestionably, it was a match the home side could clearly have turned into their favor. Nevertheless, mistakes in the defense, as well as lack of precision in front of goal cost them an upset, as they went on to miss another 3 precious points, which could have extended their lead at the top of table with 7 good points.
This is indeed surprising for a team as wonderful as Barcelona, who had established a 100% record in La Liga earlier on with 18 points out of six 6 games. Nonetheless, they might probably get the chance to redeem themselves on Sunday when they host 13th place Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou.
Not Easy to get back on track
There is no doubt most Barca fans believe that their side will be able to humble Zaragoza in other to remain at the top of the Spanish League table. For sure, it could be an easy encounter for Pep Guardiola’s team, but the fact that the Blaugrana could feel under pressure due to their reduced lead at the top of the standings could affect Sunday’s game’s result.
Looking at the two sides presented by the fixture of the match which is set to take place at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, it is easy to think that the encounter will be a matter of favorites and underdogs; yet, the fact that both teams have little knowledge about each other is – in fact – what makes the game unpredictable.
Two sides that have never met before
Barcelona got the chance to top their table, but with only 4 points though, following their 0-0 draw at the San Siro, and their 2-0 home win against Dynamo Kiev. Eventually, with this achievement already done, the Catalans will surely look to keep their lead at the top of their group by beating their Russian opponents, so as to make sure that contenders Inter Milan and Kiev don’t surpass them in the standings.
The Spanish giants indeed have a lot of chances to humble their fellow-European visitors, but still, they will need to be cautious and take control of the match right from the very start, before Rubin Kazan cause what would be considered as an “upset”.
Valencia fighting for a place in the top four
The Spanish club VCF is currently occupying the fifth place in the standings, and mathematically, even a win at home against leaders Barcelona will not automatically guarantee them a place in the top four places of the table.
With two giants preparing to meet each other, there is no doubt the game will get a lot of attention. Hence, a special outcome could take place, but a disappointing display from both sides could also reduce the excitement towards the big match.
As always, a win for Barcelona will be Pep Guardiola’s main target during the game, but – in addition to this – the Spanish manager will also want his side’s victory to be huge in terms of goal margin; as surpassing rivals Real Madrid in goal difference could have an impact on Los Blancos’ mentality.
Subsequent to 3 draws, 1 loss and a single win in 5 games, Almeria lie in 11th place with only 6 points in the Spanish league standings. Therefore, a victory in Catalonia could easily place them into the first half of the league table; yet accomplishing such a task will be very difficult, as Almeria are yet to succeed away from home this season.
After only managing to get a goalless draw at the San Siro in their previous match in Europe away to Milan, Barcelona now found themselves at the second place of their group table, with a single point.
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