For years, the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo predominantly defined El Clasico. This was obviously for the sheer fact of the duopoly existing as far as winning the Ballon d’Or was concerned.
While the battle may be no more following Ronaldo’s switch to Juventus, one of such contests which will be brought to bare after being overshadowed in the past decade is the Pique-Ramos showdown.
In the Spanish national team, they were best friends running affairs in the heart of the defense for La Furia Roja. However, there are no niceties when the pair dons their respective club colors. That time of the season is upon us once again with Barcelona and Real Madrid set to face-off at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Examining who might be having the last laugh after the proceeding, the table-top status of Barcelona in La Liga already hands Gerard Pique an edge over his rival. On the individual basis, there are a few contrasting attributes to their games although the figures racked up so far this season are almost alike.
In defensive duties, Gerard Pique has made six crucial blocks, 13 interceptions and has landed nine successful tackles whereas Sergio Ramos boasts three blocks as well as 14 interceptions and tackles apiece. The data with regards to duels won is not very different either. Pique has 68 under his belt while Ramos trails his tally by three.
As integral members of their respective teams, the two players have played every single minute of the nine La Liga matches played this season. Nonetheless, it is Sergio Ramos who has been a bit ill-fortunate considering probable fragilities on his part has contributed to Real Madrid’s one per game concession rate.
The 31-year-old defender has committed seven fouls and has been on the receiving end of a yellow card on one occasion. On the flip side, Ramos has been fouled 18 times.
Gerard Pique, on the other hand, has seen Barcelona’s attacking effort concealing his shortfalls at the back. While the Catalans have scored a staggering 23 goals, they have equally picked the ball out of their nets on 11 occasions.
In the disciplinary department, Pique has received the yellow card twice this season and after committing five fouls. The ex-Manchester United player has been on the receiving end of just two offenses.
Finally, the attacking duties of the 31-year-old center-back cannot be underplayed as he has also registered a goal from seven shots for Barcelona this season. On the other hand, Ramos has two goals to his name as the product of 10 shots he has so far attempted.
