El Clasico is upon us, arguably the most eagerly anticipated match in football. Two world class teams, full of players known around the world, and two teams who might meet again at the end of the season in Munich for the Champions League final (although Chelsea and Bayern Munich will have something to say about that!) Barcelona have won six out of the last seven games against Real in the league but for the first time in a long while it is the men from Catalonia that need a result, not Madrid. Here are five reasons why Real can win in the Camp Nou...
1. The Pressure is Off
Los Merengues are on a poor run by their standards. Draws against Valencia, Malaga and Villareal have reduced the ten point lead they once held over Barcelona to just four points. Given that teams on the same points are separated by their head-to-head record and Barca won in the Bernabeu, a home victory on Saturday evening will mean Real cannot drop any more points. However, given the way they have dominated most of the league this season, winning 27 out of 33, there is no reason that they cannot win their four remaining games and win the title, no matter what happens in the Camp Nou. Real have previously had to play catch up but now they can go into game with the pressure off (by clasico standards) and that might help them play their natural game.
2. Jose Has Found A Formula
It has taken a while, and it has not been pretty, but it seems Jose Mourinho has finally found a formation and tactic that gives his Real Madrid side the best chance of beating Barca. His initial attempts with the capital side were a replication of the tactics he employed at Internazionale when they knocked out Barcelona in the semi finals of the Champions League. Defend deep, keep narrow, kick, foul, time waste, grab a goal on the break. Unfortunately Real did not have the defensively disciplined players that Internazionale had, and the fans in Madrid (including those in the local papers) demanded more from their Galaticos. While Barcelona were winning plaudits for their tiki-taka football, Reals confrontational style was only winning enemies. After a series of red cards and a plea from his own players, Mourinho changed tactics and went for an ultra-aggressive pressing game that has found more success. Real scored in the first minute of the reverse fixture in December, albeit losing 3-1 in the end, while in the Copa del Rey second leg clash in the Camp Nou they came from two goals down to draw level and very nearly dump Barcelona out of the cup. If they employ the same tactics again they may find more luck this time round
3. The Awesome Foursome
Ronaldo, Di Maria, Ozil, Benzema. A top class forward line that cost an eye bulging £156million. Ronaldos goal feats are well known and the records keep on tumbling, but after indifferent starts Angel Di Maria is now providing assists and goals and Karim Benzema is first choice striker after a difficult stint on the bench when Mourinho first joined. Ozil provides the calmness to the front line in typical German style, but he can come up with very important goals, as he showed against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, speaking of which....
4. The Champions League
Madrid played on Tuesday, and will face the second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, giving them an extra day of rest before El Clasico, and an extra day to prepare for the visit of Bayern. Bacrelona meanwhile played at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and play Chelsea again on Tuesday. Real have the benefit of an away goal whereas Barcelona know they not only have to score, but they have to keep Chelsea out as well if they are to make it through to the final. Real can focus more on this game and put in more effort knowing they have longer to recover.
5. Squad Depth
Barcelona have the famous La Masia academy that brings through quality player after quality player. Real look less to their own academy and more to pricey imports, and while this hinders any attempt to develop a unique style of football, it does mean they have a stronger squad. Barcelona are suffering with injuries, specifically at the back, and their bench contains several promising but inexperienced youngsters. With such a demanding set of fixtures for both clubs Real can select fitter, fresher players, while the likes of Xavi, Messi and Puyol have to be careful not to pick up an injury as it could cost their club in the run in (never mind Euro 2012 participation for those concerned).