After the Semifinal defeat at Camp Nou , Barcelona will be looking for a fresh start before the Milan clash next week, while Madrid are on a high after qualifying for their CDR final , where they will play Atletico Madrid . Jose might rest couple of key players for the Clasico keeping in mind the away trip to Old Trafford this midweek. Also with Di Maria suspended for this game, Callejon might get a rare start.
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| Expected XI |
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| Expected XI |
According to sources, Xavi and Cesc played the CDR Clasico with pain killers, Cesc trained normally but Xavi was out with Physio doing some drills,who may not feature in this Clasico. Alexis who got a knock against Sevilla might start from the bench.
With Di Maria suspended , Callejon is likely to get the nod along with Kaka who was impressive against Deportivo. Ozil and Khedira/Alonso likely to be rested.
Barcelona Tactics :
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| El Guaje drifting inside |
they should put pressure on the ball when lose possession.
Villa should also try to drift in when attacking exactly like how he did against Sevilla in the second half, which might keep the CBs nibble.
All this season, we have been conceding many goals which mostly are originating from the left wing. Alba being attack minded makes his forward runs whenever Barca builds up an attack which leaves him higher up the pitch . Even in the last game Ronaldo's penalty the counter originated from the miss pass from Messi on the left wing, so i hope Adriano plays this game and hopefully sit deep and help the CBs.
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| Kaka-Ronaldo combo |
Real are likely to sit back and close spaces in the midfield and attack on the counter. Di Maria who did very well against Barca the other day will be missed , although Callejon will do. Kaka will have a massive role to play who is likely to start ahead of Ozil who might be rested .
Alonso will have to play at the same level to neutralize Cesc, like he did Xavi . Modric will have to play a good game if started ahead of Khedira who is also likely to be rested. Benzema and Higuain aren't in the best of form either , if Madrid are to go through the Champions League they have to play well and start scoring goals and convert the chances they get.
Key Battles :
Messi Vs Alonso and Pepe Ronaldo Vs Dani
Did you know : (Courtesy - Goal.Com)
- Real Madrid have won 10 of their last 11 home matches in La Liga and are unbeaten in their last 24.
- Los Blancos' 3-1 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was their biggest victory at Camp Nou since a 5-1 success in January 1963.
- Barcelona have won just three of their last seven matches in all competitions (W3, D2, L2).
- The Blaugrana have recorded only one victory in their last seven encounters against Madrid (W1, D3, L3).
- Lionel Messi has scored in a record 15 successive Liga matches.
What can we expect in this Clasico :
Last league Clasico(2-2) which was played in Oct 2012,(feels like a year already) saw one the best games of the season with Ronlado and Messi in full flow scoring a brace respectively . (The video highlights can be found below)
This likewise could also be a high tempo game and hopefully we could see another cracker. No matter which Clasico you watch as a neutral ,one won't be disappointed unlike some other big clashes ! Hoping for an injury free Clasico .
Prediction - Barcelona have always won the next match after losing. Messi has been scoring consistently in Liga without any break. With Key players rested for Midweek Madrid might stumble to a defeat in this Clasico, where its clear that Liga is not going to be their priority this season. 2-1 victory for Barcelona looks like a good bet.
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