Real Madrid vs Barcelona preview
On Saturday football fans all over the world will be excited about EL CLASSICO. it will be battle between two heavyweights in La Liga. Currently Real Madrid are 11 points behind Barcelona, but they have played one game less than Barcelona, and victory in CLASSICO will make title race exciting. Both teams are in decent form coming into this fixture. Madrid will be confident after winning Club world cup last week. Barcelona have looked solid so far in La Liga, as their star man Lionel Messi has performed well so far.
Madrid did not started season well. They have dropped too many points so far , as finishing chances up front is their major worry. Ronaldo has not been performing up to his level so far, while poor form of Karim benzema and injuries to Gareth bale aren’t helping Madrid either. Barcelona on the other hand have been steady team so far. Earlier in the season Luis Suarez was finding it difficult to put the ball in back of the net, but he has been scoring well in last few games. In defence Barcelona will be without Umtiti, who was performing well until he got injured.
Talking Tactics-
1. Casemiro vs Messi
Zidane will be well aware of the fact that in order to stop Barcelona you must stop Messi. He controls the tempo of the game, and zidane may ask Casemiro to mark Messi as he has done it in the past. Messi takes away 2-3 players out of the game easily with his dribbling, which allows other Barcelona players to exploit that space. Casemiro is one of the best defensive midfielder in the world, but Messi has got better of him in the past.
2. Stopping Isco
Isco has been best player for Madrid so far. He has scored 4 goals, and given 3 assists so far this season. Zidane often gives Isco free role, which allows him to pop up in dangerous positions. Barcelona must remain concentrated to stop Isco from having major impact on the game.
3. Aerial threat of Real Madrid-
Madrid generally play lot through wings. They use full-backs to create width. Both Marcelo and Carvajal can cross the ball well. Although Madrid haven’t score many headed goal this season as they usually do. It will be important for Barcelona to mark Ronaldo and Benzema, as both of them are good with their head.
4. Madrid’s poor defence-
Real Madrid are not the strongest team in defence. They are often known to lose their shape easily. Barcelona will be looking to take advantage of this situation. Madrid players are often seen reacting late after losing the ball. Zidane might ask his players to press quickly, to stop Barcelona from creating chances.
By Mayur P for Sportsnasha
