FC Barcelona must prepare to run its engine at full capacity this Monday. Hosts and defenders of the title, we analyze what might give Barcelona a decisive edge over Madrid ahead of El Clasico.
It's undeniable much of Barcelona's success has to do with the outstanding individual capabilities of most of its players. Having scored 33 goals in 12 Liga games so far, Barcelona's offensive firepower has been growing week after week reaching its peak last week against Almeria.
But it's the excellent Blaugrana team work that's helped Barcelona keep up with Real Madrid's pace, standing only one point below the top and there's no doubt this game will be regarded as an early final for both squads.
From the security of the back line to the multiple angles of attack, in this article we run an in-depth analysis of what could give Barcelona the needed advantage to claim the top.
Barcelona's defense might not have such a clean record as Real Madrid, but their performance is nevertheless top-tier. Victor Valdes' goal has been beaten only eight times in La Liga and much of this has to do with the prowess of Pep Guardiola's back line.
Real Madrid's defense might provide more security to Iker Casillas but the versatility of Blaugrana's defenders is unchallenged. Daniel Alves and Maxwell can build strong offenses from the wings and can also surprise Iker Casillas with powerful mid-distance shots.
Carles Puyol's and Gerard Pique's aerial superiority can also provide an answer for Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Unlike Real Madrid, FC Barcelona's building has been built on solid ground and its structure has proven to withstand the passage of time firmly.
Not much has changed since last year for Barcelona. Pep Guardiola exchanged Zlatan Ibrahimovic for David Villa and Yaya Toure for Javier Mascherano. Seven World champions will be under Guardiola's command, eager to claim the top to defend Liga's title once again.
Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are among the most creative Barcelona midfielders. Their main task during El Clasico will be nullifying the Merengues' advance as well as feeding Barcelona's offensive trident Messi, Pedro, Villa.
The Argentine striker has already beaten Casillas' goal seven times in the last six Clasico matches and once again he's likely to play the most decisive role on the fields to give Barcelona three decisive points.
Jose Mourinho has many alternatives to lean the game on Real Madrid's favor; who'll succeed in El Clasico and claim the top by Monday?
But it's the excellent Blaugrana team work that's helped Barcelona keep up with Real Madrid's pace, standing only one point below the top and there's no doubt this game will be regarded as an early final for both squads.
From the security of the back line to the multiple angles of attack, in this article we run an in-depth analysis of what could give Barcelona the needed advantage to claim the top.
Barcelona's defense might not have such a clean record as Real Madrid, but their performance is nevertheless top-tier. Victor Valdes' goal has been beaten only eight times in La Liga and much of this has to do with the prowess of Pep Guardiola's back line.
Real Madrid's defense might provide more security to Iker Casillas but the versatility of Blaugrana's defenders is unchallenged. Daniel Alves and Maxwell can build strong offenses from the wings and can also surprise Iker Casillas with powerful mid-distance shots.
Carles Puyol's and Gerard Pique's aerial superiority can also provide an answer for Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Unlike Real Madrid, FC Barcelona's building has been built on solid ground and its structure has proven to withstand the passage of time firmly.
Not much has changed since last year for Barcelona. Pep Guardiola exchanged Zlatan Ibrahimovic for David Villa and Yaya Toure for Javier Mascherano. Seven World champions will be under Guardiola's command, eager to claim the top to defend Liga's title once again.
Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are among the most creative Barcelona midfielders. Their main task during El Clasico will be nullifying the Merengues' advance as well as feeding Barcelona's offensive trident Messi, Pedro, Villa.
The Argentine striker has already beaten Casillas' goal seven times in the last six Clasico matches and once again he's likely to play the most decisive role on the fields to give Barcelona three decisive points.
Jose Mourinho has many alternatives to lean the game on Real Madrid's favor; who'll succeed in El Clasico and claim the top by Monday?
