Barcelona and Madrid have already played twice this season – in the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona held that Cup high, even though the Madridistas were the favorites coming out of a strong preseason. You can be sure that neither team has forgotten the outcome of those two Super Cup games, nor the outcome of the prior season’s Copa del Rey (Real Madrid) or the outcome of the prior season’s Champions League and La Liga (Barcelona). Madrid, in particular, hasn’t forgotten last season’s league games. The 5-0 schooling at the Camp Nou last November will be on their minds when they face their arch rivals on Saturday.
Both teams are coming off of wins this week. Barcelona’s 5-0 victory at home was convincing against 4th place Levante who has started the season strong and, until Saturday, held a significant threat to Barcelona’s 2nd place. Madrid’s less convincing 3-0 victory away over a bottom of the table Sporting Gijon was still solid. Several of the players commented how difficult it is to play at El Molinón, so the full three points, multiple goals and a clean sheet were key. It also keeps Real Madrid three points ahead of Barcelona (who have played one more game).
The week of El Clásico historically has been controversial. Much of that is courtesy of the Spanish press looking for a juicy story; likely this week will be no different. Previously, José Mourinho has gone on the offensive in his press conferences to deflect some of the pressures that come with such a big game. He may not need to this year. His team has confidence, and the players are unified and relaxed (as evidenced by their goal celebrations – my personal favorite is Gonzalo Higuain jumping in to Karim Benzema’s arms the other week). Madrid has a perfect record in the Champions League and a near perfect record in La Liga. Their key players are healthy, Xabi Alonso is rested (he was suspended for the Sporting Gijon game) and they know they have a lead on Barcelona.
For Barcelona, they have several players battling injuries, including Xavi who has continued to suffer from calf issues, and Carlos Puyol, who left Saturday’s game against Levante with an injury. That aside, every week Barcelona appears to be returning to their peak form of last year and there is little doubt that regardless of their injuries, their players will excel on Saturday.
This game will be more important for Barcelona than in previous years. Madrid having played one fewer game (which you have to assume they will win) is holding some critical points over Barcelona at the moment. It is not the end of the world for Barcelona if they lose, but a potential nine points will be a large gap to overcome when you are looking at a Madrid team that has three strikers who are scoring, a defense who is allowing a bare minimum of goals and a team playing as a team.
Whatever happens on Saturday, it is bound to be a thing of beauty. Even last year’s 5-0 drumming was incredible to watch – the style of these players is unforgettable. There is a reason this game is called El Clásico. No matter the outcome, it is guaranteed to be an instant classic.
A.J. Nelson can be found on Twitter @FootieObsessed and currently salivating over Saturday’s match to come.
