|
|
 |
|
You're probably well aware of this already, but El Clásico is bearing down on us all once again. Like a terrible army of dementors, it is preparing to suck your spirit from your face and leave you slack-jawed and lifeless. A husk where once there was vibrant thought. An empty shell where once there was exuberant analysis. There were four in a row late last season and they effectively wiped out this writer's sanity for nearly three months and, if the tabloid headlines are to be believed, left most of Spain in rubble.
• Real blog: Madrid starting XI for El Clasico
Now it has returned and while the game itself should be thrilling given the number of stars on hand and the way the teams are playing, it will also bring about a maelstrom of journalistic and fan-based frothing at the mouth. There's nothing quite like a full-fledged international freak out whenever a referee makes a mistake or, indeed, when he does nothing wrong. There's been eye-poking, red cards, and more bluster than parliament.
The first of the two in this season’s La Liga takes place on Saturday in Madrid and the winner will run out with both the joy of beating a major rival as well as the more important points in the table. With the league seemingly balanced on the outcome of this match - Madrid lead by three points with a game in hand - losing is pretty much out of the question for Barcelona if they want to stay in this league race.
It’s also the best defence (Barça) against the best attack (Madrid), but Madrid haven’t failed to win since their goalless draw against Racing Santander on September 21, a run of ten matches. At home, they’re even better, with six wins in six matches. Relatively speaking, Barça have struggled away, coming up with just two wins in six matches. The team has also conceded all seven of their goals away from the Camp Nou. Were this match in Barcelona, there would be a wildly different approach given the fortress Guardiola has made the stadium.
But statistics are rarely important going into these matches. Form goes out the window and often so do cool heads: the last five matches between the two clubs produced 43 cards, five of them red. Barça’s only red card came from a sideline tiff at the Bernabeu in which backup goalie Jose Manuel Pinto was sent off for fighting. That 2-0 Champions League semi-final first leg win for Barcelona was further marred by several unsightly tackles and the general mayhem of an overhyped match.
This year started off with two Clásicos that wound up being goalfests and included Jose Mourinho eye gouging Barça assistant Tito Vilanova. Those matches notched up a further 17 cards, including three reds at the very end of the second leg when fighting broke out thanks to a nasty Marcelo challenge on Cesc Fabregas. Will this match be of the same timbre? Both teams are capable of dazzling football, but will they both come out to play? Regardless, your patronus charm needs to be at the ready for when El Clásico comes swooping in. Mine looks like Lionel Messi, I’m pretty sure.
Comments
 |
Posted by Rahul on 12/08/2011
Not 2 worry frend; there is no doubt that madrid will emerge as champions espacially with ozil & cris combo.............
|
Posted by Bryce on 12/08/2011
Let's hope Barca can use El Clasico to turn the league race in their favor! But Isiah, please refrain from making Harry Potter references in the future. That series already gets enough publicity without having it enter the realm of football.
|
Posted by Brian on 12/08/2011
Do you guys know where you can watch the game in the U.S.? I'm willing to pay to watch it online in high quality. I normally just use ESPN3 but they're not going to have it. I don't think I have GolTV either.
|
Posted by Peter Ventura on 12/08/2011
If you have a smart phone check on a few free apps that indicate where the game will be shown in sport bars and similar venues. They will list both Barca and Madrid fans and closeness to where you live. A fun way to watch the El Clasico
|
Posted by Peter Ventura on 12/08/2011
Oh, and by the way . . . visca Barca
|
Posted by K. C. on 12/08/2011
seeing the amazing form of both teams, this is going to be one heckuva game. can't wait! BARCELONA!!!
|
Posted by emienu ceaser stephen on 12/08/2011
i think realmadrid are no match for barcelona
|
Posted by Olaf on 12/08/2011
Barca plays the beautiful game, but Madrid has found their rhythm this season. This could prove to be a true fist clencher! I hope we get to see some real football and not just Mourinho style psychological warfare...
|
Posted by Olaf on 12/08/2011
Barca plays the beautiful game, but Madrid has found their rhythm this season. This could prove to be a true fist clencher! I hope we get to see some real football and not just Mourinho style psychological warfare...
|
Posted by dattijo on 12/08/2011
barca wl stil dominate madrid once again by God grace
|
Posted by EBENEZER OMEJALILE M. on 12/08/2011
Prior to Saturday elclassico i think Barca stand a better chance to win, going by the way they play especially the last uefa champions league which gave room to the younger ones. with that game alone i personally think barca would rip Madrid apart. Madri is about a coach who is trying to make name for himself and one player trying to prove a wide goose chase dream to himself. Barca will sail through once in madrid. i stand to be proved wrong come this saturday
|
Posted by I.K on 12/08/2011
Enough said Ebenezer, enough said
|
Posted by WALKINGNAKED on 12/08/2011
EBENEZER, I doubt if Pep Guardiola himself shares d same bullish optimism with U. Saturday is just by the corner. we all cant wait to see d best two teams in the world play beautiful football. I cant shout but still i got to "HALA MADRID"!!!
|
Posted by lachikwe on 12/08/2011
yeah,the game comes with a lot of hype and no doubt d biggest game of the season looking at d postion of the table now, i expect jose to win the game and wrap up the league season for good,cant see barca catching up with madrid after a defeat tommorow. Hala madrid
|
Posted by Jeff L on 12/08/2011
It will be hard, very hard for Madrid to come out of this game undefeated. Barca will be at their ultimate best, and this means that they are unstoppable.
|
Posted by WILLE on 12/08/2011
Remember Barca is trailing Real Madrid by 3 points with Real having a game in hand. I predict 3-1 in favour of los blancos
|
Posted by william on 12/08/2011
please come on! Barca will win It Always had and It Always will
|
Posted by Marc on 12/08/2011
@Brian - ESPN3 is going to carry the game online. Happy watching.
|
Posted by fari on 12/08/2011
Hope barca beat madrid,hoping for a 2 or 3nil score just 2 shut them up
|
Posted by ivolution on 12/08/2011
It's simply too difficult to predict this one with the way Real have been playing this season. But I'm going to give the home advantage to Real, especially given Barca's away form this season. However, Barca are under more pressure to win the match because if they lose, it's potentially a 9 point hole they have to dig themselves out of, so that's a pretty strong motivator. Then again, Mourinho takes his hatred of losing to an astronomical level when it comes to Barcelona so you can bet the players well be well motivated. So again, it's too tough to call. I have to make a prediction, I'll say: 2-2. Although I'm hoping for a goal fest + RM win. Hala Madrid!
|
Posted by Zuala on 12/08/2011
|
Posted by lionel andres on 12/08/2011
barca will just have an easy win. why? Because it has always been the mighty catalans.hahahaha go Barca !!!!!!!...
|
Posted by A.BLESSING on 12/08/2011
Its not about which team wins or not;its about el clasico living up to its billing,not another over hyped game with tempers all over the pitch.Anyway UP MADRID! UP MOURINHO!of course DOWN BARCA!!!:-:-P
|
Posted by Posky chidi on 12/08/2011
God help FCB. Be with your boy, messi. Help him 2 deliver. O! Lord i pray, amen.
|
Posted by lionel madrid on 12/08/2011
madrid are just dumb loosers ,the only thing they are good at is just pressuring the Refs . I HATE THIS GUYS . They should have a private lesson of sportsman ship.GO BARCAAAA !!!
|
Posted by lionel andres on 12/08/2011
I have heard you kid and yes he will have a brace and his team will have an impressive win." LOOKING FOWARD TO HEAR YOUR NEXT PRAYERS KID."
|
Posted by ... on 12/08/2011
@lionel madrid
Barcelona have just as much of a need for private lessons on sportsmanship as do Real Madrid...
I think you need to have private lessons on how to spell... this is you "I HATE THIS GUYS"
What a joke...
|
Posted by lionel andres on 12/08/2011
|
Posted by Hari on 12/08/2011
Real are playing at home? Big whoop! FCB are unbeaten at the Bernebau for 3 1/2 years now- so Bernebau is as much home for this FCB team as it is for Real, and probably more so for FCB right now because they have won 3 of their past 5 games there and because Messi just loves to score against Real in Madrid!
|
Posted by kopedi on 12/08/2011
Barcelona will just pass Madrid very easily coz they think they can compete, not now Jose and his choir.go Barca go
|
Posted by sekou on 12/09/2011
God we put our trust in you for this game on Saturday. Please make us to win game. We put our team Barcelona in your hand. Let go Barca
|
Posted by Johnny S on 12/09/2011
I think everyone is making to big a deal about this Classico. I am Madridista, however I am aware that Barcelona are an exceptional team. This match is going to come down to hustle and who keeps their cool best. Both teams have great players, pride and great history behind them, this match will see if Barcelona can get back to better form and if Madrid have learned from past lessons and can keep their cool under pressure. This is not a match to miss!!
|
Posted by Mustars on 12/09/2011
Brian, it is gonna be on ESPN Deportes, or u can watch it on ESPN3 and maybe hook it up to your TV from the internet.
It looks like Real are in the better run of form, but Barca have hit form at the right time. We always step up our game in the big games. No game comes bigger than this. The counter-attacking of Real will crumble in this game. It is important Barca dominate from start to finish. Hopefully we will construct the game well enough to win by two clear goals.
|
Posted by Anonymous on 12/09/2011
Both teams are no joke, however Barcelona have a better football, but to win, we'll have to see how the ball rolls. Barcelona can hold the ball and dominate the entire game, and are very capeable of scoring. Los Blancos are bigger and tougher, they are able to have a shot on goal within 3 passes on most possesions. It's going to come down to who hustles more and scores, I agree much with Johnny S, except I'm Blaugrana!
|
Posted by rico kaka on 12/09/2011
ima madrid fan and although barca gt unbeaten in those previous mmatch, tis time its not gonna be the same. madrid r at their top form but barca?? madrid's striker r at thier top form but barca"s??
its time for us madrista to shut them catalans up.
|
Posted by nasbawa on 12/09/2011
Madrid are no match for Barca.Messi has been making the difference and he is still around,I don't think Madrid can handle Barca
|
Posted by greg on 12/09/2011
just like Pep did by shifting Messi away from Evra in that CL final, Jose has to move Ronaldo away from Alves because he(Alves)matches Ronaldo's pace. Alonso struggles against Xavi and Iniesta. I see Jose parking the bus to maintain that three point lead...
|
Posted by wao Godfray on 12/09/2011
i know realmadrid with their unrest and wobblings hence two red cards and five yellows.barca has team spirit and able to smug real mdrd 3-1 at santiago bern...
|
Posted by Tashie on 12/09/2011
Hey no though this is a match to look at.Madrid are in their best form. However Pep rested his player it can only mean one thing.Barcelona are taking this like a final.They don't fail on finals that easily.That is very frightening.I will be suprise if Barcelona have more than 70 percent of ball possession.It does not win a match but it mean Barcelona will be playing there game and very rear they loose doing so.
|
Posted by Tashie on 12/09/2011
Hey no though this is a match to look at.Madrid are in their best form. However Pep rested his player it can only mean one thing.Barcelona are taking this like a final.They don't fail on finals that easily.That is very frightening.I will not be surprise if Barcelona have more than 70 percent of ball possession.It does not win a match but it mean Barcelona will be playing their game and very often they win doing so.
|
Posted by Kojo on 12/09/2011
I pray for fair refereeing in this gigantic showdown.Favour to one side would mar this game.we don't want a repetition of last year's champions league semi-final.a clean and fair game then madrid will run out victors.gracias
|
Posted by Nathan on 12/09/2011
Pep will shit his pants once more like when mourinho defeated barca with inter milan.
|
Posted by amos noru on 12/09/2011
|
Posted by Sam on 12/09/2011
get off the tracks barca, cos a moving train is coming.
|
Posted by Anonymous on 12/09/2011
When Barca loose, it's because they beat themselves. They dominate every game and the few times they've been beaten is lucky counters. Some one tell me the last time Barca were thrashed? Madrid are much better than they were lasr year, due to team being able to click, which is what Barca have. If Madrid were a little more humble, and less aggresive, they'd be a better team. But, they'll never be "more than a club." Even though both teams spend, Barca creates far more better players, and pushes more young players from their B squad than any team. Honestly, Barca don't need Villa, Fabregas or Sanchez, but who's Madrid without Chritiano or Ozil?
|
Posted by Anonymous on 12/09/2011
When Barca loose, it's because they beat themselves. They dominate every game and the few times they've been beaten is lucky counters. Some one tell me the last time Barca were thrashed? Madrid are much better than they were lasr year, due to team being able to click, which is what Barca have. If Madrid were a little more humble, and less aggresive, they'd be a better team. But, they'll never be "more than a club." Even though both teams spend, Barca creates far more better players, and pushes more young players from their B squad than any team. Honestly, Barca don't need Villa, Fabregas or Sanchez, but who's Madrid without Chritiano or Ozil?
|
Posted by Anonymous on 12/09/2011
real madrid 4-0 BECUASE REAL MADRID IS GOING TO HAVE ANGEL DE MARIA Y CRISTIANO RANDLO Y BENZEMA Y OZIL AND 2 TIME HIUGAN TO MAKE THE 4 GOAL AND MESSI 0 GOAL
|
Posted by kwaku ananse on 12/09/2011
the world will like to witness a fair game,not the feigning barca will all know.
As well who is barca without messi and xavi.
Madrid will win
|
Posted by Tashie on 12/09/2011
Madrid I believe, perhaps, have the best counter attack in the game right now. It may not be a wise thing to play with three defenders. Nevertheless it is Barcelona we are talking about. They will never change there style. Ever so often you will hear them saying we stuck to our philosophy. So is this bravery, suicide or Barcelona have perfected their 3 - 4 - 3 style of playing. No one scored on them in the last three games.So much for Barcelona let talk about Real Madrid. Can Real Madrid afford to play an open game against Barcelona.Which team has played straight football against Barcelona and win? Is Real Madrid that confident? What would Mourinho do if Madrid suffers another defeat at the hands of Barcelona?
|
Posted by KOJAA on 12/09/2011
MADRID WILL FALL AGAIN NOT THAT THEY ARE NOT A GOOD CLUB BUT BARCELONA IS A BETTER TEAM.THEY WILL WIN MADRID WITH EXPERIENCE AND TEAMWORK.LET NOT BE SENTIMENTAL, BARCA IS A BETTER SIDE THAN MADRID.
|
Posted by jose on 12/09/2011
dear lord please dont let the referee accept any more bribes from barca thanks lord amen. up the blancos
|
Posted by Ashique km on 12/09/2011
Barca will give a training to Real Madrid. How to play a game with world's No:1 club .that means with FCB
|
Posted by jose on 12/09/2011
thats nonsense ashique absolute nonsense.
|
Posted by kg on 12/09/2011
Real Madrid will win this game, they are on fire 15 game winning streak and playing at home. If barca players dont dive all the time (busquets, alves, villa) and the referee doesnt fall for their fakes and send out a madrid defender (like always) then real madrid will win if it stays 11 vs 11.......lets go MADRID!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
Posted by kayboi on 12/09/2011
No doubt it will be a very tight match,both sides aare good nd play beautiful and one thing to know íڪ that who ever wins dsnt mean the other side aint good,when teams like this meet,psychology does most of the playing
|
Posted by kayboi on 12/09/2011
No doubt it will be a very tight match,both sides are good nd play beautiful soccer and one thing to know íڪ that who ever wins dsnt mean the other side aint good,when teams like this meet,psychology does most of the playing
|
Posted by Anonymous on 12/09/2011
thats such a load of bollocks kayboi why bother letting us what is the most bleeding obvious.
im tempted to call you a bellend i hastenly resist
|
Posted by Anonymous on 12/09/2011
|
Posted by ali on 12/09/2011
Baca time will be gone soon...let us see Real...
|
Posted by Mackintosh on 12/09/2011
Real madrid is now its highest form in this seassion. next is what to see in el classico
|
Posted by carl on 12/10/2011
come on barca i know u guys can do it ...........keep u all heads up ......forget about the past ...this is the present.......guys the madrid team will try any thing to get u guys turn on the other side .......just keep in mind....the game is not about the old talks and fight down its all about who can play the game the best .........and as far as i can see it barca is the best
|
Posted by bryan on 12/10/2011
I watch barcelona play every game on ilemi.me. I've been using that website for last 2 years.
|
Posted by Wan@1 on 12/10/2011
Go barca Gooooooo ................ make work smile :)
|
Posted by olomo on 12/10/2011
some of you dont understand football,you are talking out of likeness, messi is a good player no doubt about that likewise FCB as a team but with current form of galacticos we are winning by 1-0 Insha Allah.halla madrid.
|
Posted by Njoku on 12/10/2011
Real madrid will fall because of that Mou UP BAR FOR LIFE.....GO GUYS GO....OMO NIAJA
|
Posted by lawrance74 on 12/10/2011
barca 4 lyfe. madrid no chance, it might be 5-0 again.
|
Posted by Tashie on 12/10/2011
Guys he said it again. Pep said they are READY.He echoed the same sentiments at press conference as last champion league finals. We saw what they did to Manchester United. Madrid you are good but i believe you have just cause Barcelona to reach their peak. Look out for an interesting display of football if Barcelona does not win then it will be a Job but it will be hard for Madrid to win.
|
Posted by Matt on 12/10/2011
Im in Madrid currently and everyone is getting quite worked up, 2 - 3 for barca is my bet.
|
Posted by Kyle on 12/10/2011
Both teams are in a good run of form at the moment. Both teams are healthy. This should make for a great match. It's just too bad for Madridistas that Barca will win 3-1 today.
Barca!!!! Barca!!! Barca!!!
|
Posted by SENATOR DONALD on 12/10/2011
Its going to be a classic game between the best team in the world against the most popular tean in the world, both teams boasting of sound coach and world best players. But I tell you as things stands Madrid will carry the day.
|
Posted by gondokmg on 12/10/2011
Would you mind saying that again, something to the effect that the winner of the first El Clasico has gone on the win La Liga in the last 7 years. Sometimes it's better to just keep your mouth shut!
|
Posted by Adewale on 12/11/2011
And so it was like always. They came, they saw and they conquered. Whoever in his wildest dream would have written off Messilona...sorry Barcelona!!!!! Barca is a finished product (FP), R.Madrid is still work in progress (WIP...IT WILL TAKE 5 YEARS FOR R.MADRID TO MATCH UP BARCA.....Thats if they dont sack the coach nor the fulcrum of the players... i doubt that musc as Mourinho knows his time is up in Spain as he cant win La liga and Champions lge this year....my mind tells me he will call it quit in R.M and move to Man City in England......u wanna bet it?.....
|
Posted by INDRA SANTOSA on 12/11/2011
AS A TEAM BARCELONA IS STILL WAY AHEAD OF MADRID WHO ARE EXCELLENT ONLY AGAINST LESSER OPPOSITIONS. INDIVIDUALLY, MADRID DO HAVE THE MORE EXPENSIVE PLAYERS (PERHAPS).. BUT FOOTBALL IS A TEAM GAME.. AND ONE SELFISH MOMENT FROM RONALDO C MAY JUST BE ENOUGH TO GIVE THE MATCH TO BARCA...
|
Posted by horkunley on 12/11/2011
let me lust says i thank almight God fof giving us the march lastnite.... as a matter of fact barcelona is better than madrid anytime anywhere................barcelona for lyf
|
Posted by Johan on 12/11/2011
Yet another Barcelona masterclass. Beautiful game by Barcelona and this time Mourinho ran out of excuses and blame it on the luck...what an idiot, even more so the ones still supporting him. Pelegrini did a more notable and honorable job. I hope we get many years to come from the genius Guardiola!
|
Posted by AARON MARK HENDRIX on 12/12/2011
It's real funny,but it was nice to see the 2nd goal go in as it did.Sure,it would have been cool to have the ball fly straight into the top corner,but the way it deflected,spun,squirmed and trickled into the Madrid goal must have broken every Madridista's heart ehh.Nice.That was also the goal that broke their resolution,and really melted whatever resistance they had left.Overall,besides the first 15mins or so,we played good stuff.Not superb,but good stuff.Just enough to win.This game,Messi didnt really Boss it.But slid a nice pass thru nonetheless.Alexis looked lively and caused problems,and Dani was magnificent.But there's only One Carles Puyol!!Superb display from the skipper,snuffing out ROnaldo everytime he went pass Dani,which wasnt much really.Even though I had to stay up till 5am here in malaysia,it was worth it!Now the club champioship then hopefully we can carry some form into the next 10 games or so which will set us up nicely for the next classico and for the season too
|
Posted by Saaed on 12/12/2011
I don't see any comments from RM fans after the game, where are u? You have hidden your heads like a Tortoise.
Posted by de uchman@ on 12/12/2011
that game was real football.my felow barca fans-huray!!!we never make 2 much noise. we belive in real soccer
Posted by jacob on 01/18/2012
Likewise diz El ca: Barca will win Real
| |
Post your comment |
|
|
|
|
|
About
Hola! I am Francesc Tomas. Barcelona is my passion and home-town team. I consider myself lucky to have regularly attended matches at the Camp Nou since the early 1980s. My cousin played for the Barça youth academy, sharing the team with Don Andres Iniesta, which gave me a clear inside view of how our club works behind the scenes. I am also the founder, editor and columnist at Barcablog.com.
|
Categories
Recent Posts
Archives
|
RSS feed