Success is always an integral part of football but when it comes to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, it is rather compulsory. After all, that was why the 'Special One' was brought in to guide the Blancos. Santiago Bernabeu has seen enough sufferings to suggest that a chage was needed and the man recognised as the 'King Of Europe' was the imminent choice to be at helm and indeed he was brought in.
But tonight represents the biggest night yet in his career as a manager. It portrays a very crucial night for the Los Merengues fans worldwide. The team that won five European Cups in succession during the early years of this century are in danger of losing their 'status quo' respect in World Football. I mean, if there was a pinnacle of their season so far, it has to be at the Nou Camp later tonight.
There's no need to reiterate the challenge they face tonight but one question definitely pops up in everybody's mind: How do Los Blancos overcome the Blaugranas at the Nou Camp? Live Soccer TV provides some very crucial fundamental steps that can be used to make history tonight.
1. Attacking Is The Best Way Of Defending
Defensive tactics are cliche's in Jose Mourinho's dictionary when it comes to facing the Catalans. But the circumstances in which they are now banishes the prospect of heading into tonight's clash with a defensive mentality.
Frankly speaking, nobody is expecting Madrid to just give up the tie without putting up a spirited fight. No doubt their complains were very much evident after the first leg, but I am sure Mourinho will advice his players to let bygones be bygones.
So, no need for any conservative tactics tonight. The Galacticos have got a game to chase and only an early goal with present them with any chance of overturning the tie. Attack all the way Madrid!
2. Exploit Barca's Depleted Defence
Javier Mascherano at centre back and Carles Puyol at left back doesn't quite sound or even looks like a comfortable defensive set-up for Guardiola's men. But that is the expected scenario at the Nou Camp tonight with the absence of Adriano and Maxwell.
So basically this clearly provides with a focal point of attack. No need to attack too much down the wing. Get back to the basics of playing through ball and Mascherano could be caught by surprise tonight. After all, he was the one to be blamed for conceding the penalty in their defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend. The aerial threat of Emmanuel Adebayor would be a headache for the Argentinean lad.
3. No Defensive Tactics But Ensure Defensive Stability At All Cost
Since we insisted on Madrid going all out with an attacking policy, ensuring safety at the back will be another important aspect tonight. We all know how dangerous Barcelona are if given space and considering how they virtually tore apart Los Blancos last November should be a perfect reminder of their devastating capabilities.
Ricardo Carvalho and Xabi Alonso will be the key tonight. Pepe's absence will be seriously missed in the midfield and Sergio Ramos' agility will also be absent from their defensive set-up. While Alonso has to marshal the midfield, it will be up to Carvalho to maintain the stability of their back four. One mistake and all slim hopes could be gone. Remember Lionel Messi last week?
4. Keep Calm And Ignore Any Sort Of Intimidation
Well, nobody will have an idea of what it takes to play at the Nou Camp than the Real Madrid players can get. Intimidation will be present at all times and the last thing Jose Mourinho would want to see is another sending off of one or more of his players.
While the Barca players will aim to get them frustrated with their passing, Los Blancos must keep calm at all times and attack with precision. If an early goal comes by for Mourinho's men, who knows? We might even see Cristiano Ronaldo and co at Wembley again.