Following just eight matches, El Clásico rears its heads for both Barça and Madrid. Both clubs have had their tests already but this is their mid-term exam. Have both teams addressed what their teams are lacking or is still there work to do? Come Saturday, we will know if there will be more questions or answers presented to the world.
This Saturday is Lucho’s mid-term exam, or evaluation, as Barça’s manager. Thus far, Barça are currently league leaders, four points ahead of Real Madrid and are in second place in their Champions League group stage. They have yet to concede a goal in league play but have conceded four in Champions League play. Lucho’s first test was during the September stretch where Barça drew with Malaga and lost to PSG. Lucho’s tactics came into question during that time where it was believed his Plan A was inadequate and his Plan B was non-existent. Merely swapping players in similar positions is not a Plan B. However, we are still unsure of his Plan A since he still has not had use of all his players. That will change this Saturday.
Contrary to the insistence of the Madrid press that Luis Suarez cannot play this Saturday, the Uruguayan international is set to make his first competitive debut for Barça in the biggest game possible. Perhaps we will see Lucho’s Plan A after all now that he has Messi, Neymar and Suarez available. I am curious to see what Lucho plans to do with “The South American Connection” on Saturday. Messi and Neymar are in fine form heading into this game so will Lucho start with Suarez and play him for 45-60 minutes or go with Pedro and then bring him on as a second half sub? My big concern is how will he react when he meets the likes of Pepe and not lose his head if confronted. I am also curious to see how Suarez’s inclusion will affect the rest of the team. Will the defense be less shaky now that he’s there and not rely too much on the fullbacks attacking? Even though Barça has yet to concede a goal in league play, they came close to on several occasions. Lucho has to wonder which of his players will center the heart of the defense along with Dani Alves and Jordi Alba. Lucho needs to figure out if Mascherano should start ahead of Busquets who has recovered from a hip injury.
Meanwhile, Madrid have had a “Más o menos“ start to the season. They did win the UEFA Super Cup but lost the Supercopa against Atlético. They also suffered a hiccup of their own when they squandered a two goal lead after allowing Real Sociedad to score four unanswered goals in a 4-2 loss. Real Madrid also didn’t do so well on their first big test when they lost to Atlético in the Santiago Bernabéu back in September. This was the third consecutive time that Ancelotti could not defeat Atlético in league play. He has yet to taste victory against Atlético or Barça in league play and one wonders what pressure he will face if he loses to Barça at home again and Los Blancos find themselves four points behind.
The other issue for Madrid is whether or not they are a better team without Alonso and Di Maria. Alonso gave them the bite they needed in the midfield while Di Maria was sensational and their workhorse down the stretch. Hands down, Di Maria was their best player towards the end of the season. Now, both are gone, along with Diego Lopez, and one has to wonder if this Madrid team has the proper team to face Barça. Are they too finesse or can they, especially Kroos, Rodriguez and Modric, defend and win the ball back without the likes of Alonso present? The fact that some consider Bale’s absence, through injury, a blessing since this means Isco can play, says something. As good as Bale is offensively, he does hurt this team defensively.
Speaking of defense, Madrid have conceded more goals, nine, than all the other top six teams in the league and have allowed far too many scoring chances than they should have. So both Barça and Madrid have their work cut out for them on the defensive side of the pitch. One wonders if this will be a box to box goal fest or will both sides be a bit conservative in their style to protect themselves?
Of course, for many, Saturday means it is Messi vs Ronaldo again. Both are gunning to be the best and to be the best, you have to win. I’ve said all that has to be said about Messi. Words cannot adequately describe what he has accomplished for Barça and Argentina. He has a shot at becoming La Liga’s all-time goal scorer and what better venue to do that then at the Santiago Bernabéu. He surpassed Di Stefano as the all-time top scorer in El Clásico in Madrid last season, so can he also surpass Zarra and become all-time scorer in league history in the same venue this Saturday?
Ronaldo is also one of the most dangerous goal scorers I have ever seen and is lethal when surrounded by the right talent. Now, ever since Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, his team has won only once on home soil in league play. Barça on the other hand have won three times at the Santiago Bernabéu during that same span. I, however think the player that Barça need to watch out for is Benzema. He has scored four goals against the Blaugrana on home soil from open play, while Ronaldo has only two goals, both from the spot. Benzema is a vital player for this team, even if he is not scoring. His presence is a cause of concern for defenders and last season, he could have scored a hat trick and more in the first half alone against Barça. Will Barça be ready to deal with him this time?
As a Barça fan, I am not sure what will happen on Saturday. I recall them losing 4-1 in this stadium the year they won the Champions League title in 2006, and they won at this stadium under Tata Martino last season. I do believe they can win at the Santiago Bernabéu. Last season, Iniesta said, “It’s hard to believe there are Barça fans who don’t believe in us. This team has won the right to the fans’ trust – sure we’ve had off days, but nobody should think Madrid are going to find us an easy prospect”. Well said Iniesta and here’s hoping that there is no off day in Madrid come Saturday.
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