Match Preview: El Clasico: Camp Nou set to host the greatest match in game's history.

 

Real Madrid look for second win against Barcelona this season.

Barcelona are a point ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Real Madrid take on Barcelona at Camp Nou tonight in an expected high profile clash. Both teams last met back in October where Real thumped to a 3-1 victory.

However, the Catalans are in really good shape and is a real test for the out of form Whites'. Though without James Rodriguez,the return of Luka Modric is boost for Real Madrid.

Barcelona are going through a great year with Lionel Messi in Balon d'Or form.Though Real Madrid had a very poor month, they displayed one of the most memorable football last match. That really is a hope for Los Blancos.

With Casillas starting at goal, Real Madrid would start with Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos and Marcelo at the back and Kroos, Modric and Isco or Lucas Silva at the middle. The attack will be led by the prominent BBC.

Barcelona may go with Bravo, Pique, Alves, Mascherano, and Alba at the back. Iniesta, Rakitic, Xavi, Messi, Neymar and Suarez are all expected to start. 

If Real Madrid wins the match, then they go two points ahead in the game. However, if they finish as losing side, then they go 4 points behind. If both teams end without achieving anything fruitful, then Barca stay a point ahead of visitors.

The match will be played at Camp Nou in Barcelona tonight at 21:00 CET.

  

El Clasico: Player-by-Player fact.

With El Clasico up on grabs this Sunday, I take a look at each player who may make the starting XI at Camp Nou.

GOALKEEPERS

        Iker Casillas/ Keylor Navas                                                      Claudio Bravo

The department that causes chaos in the dressing room for Los Blancos' may be goalkeeping. Though Real Madrid have two of world's best in the position, the choice of one has affected the other. Casillas has been poor throughout the season and never really got the hang of his performance in recent years. Keylor, on the other side, just got five appearances so far, though he was chosen the best goalkeeper last term and produced a memorable performance in the World Cup. The selection of goalkeepers will surely be a test for Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Claudio Bravo is the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in Europe and is going through his best part of life. Ter Stegen had not caused any problems for Chilean and the German in turn was given the duty in Cup competitions. Luis Enrique wouldn't be so concerned about the man to start at goal ahead of El Clasico.

DEFENDERS

                Daniel Carvajal                                                                   Dani Alves

Daniel Carvajal has played a significant part in Real Madrid's performance this season. The young right-back has turned from the best Bundesliga right-back to Real Madrid's wing back. He is known for his efficiency in passing and stands as a supporter for Gareth Bale. Often takes up his position at the right wing and plays important role in Real Madrid's goals. Carvajal also returns to his own D when in times of need and is also one of best in his position. Surely, he must start at the right flank against Barcelona.

Dani Alves remains the right back option for Barcelona this whole season and is expected to start in Clasico. Though he is one of finest in his position, Alves has produced a number of chaos in the dressing room and isn't in good terms with the rest of squad and club. His agent has reported that Alves may leave Barca this summer. However, Dani Alves is good both in attacking and defending. Like Carvajal, Alves also acts as a wing back for Luis Enrique. As it is, Dani Alves won't be surprised by taking the bench against Madrid and instead start at the right defense.

                     Pepe/Varane                                                                  Jeremy Mathieu

One of the two centre-backs may be either Frenchman Varane or Portuguese Pepe. Both of them deserve a chance in starting lineup though Pepe has more chances than his compatriot. Varane would be better in order to stop in-form Messi and has the ability to track and chase the opposition. Meanwhile, Pepe is a better defender with more experience and stands as a helping hand for fellow centre back Sergio Ramos. His famous ability to disallow opponents to take control of his possession would be a good motive against mighty Barcelona.

Since Vermalean was injured long back, Jeremy Mathieu has turned into a permanent starter for Luis Enrique. He has turned into a fantastic centre-back then, and is the reason Gerard Pique is allowed to attack. Stands as the last man in defense and is known for his aerial abilities. Mathieu is also instrumental in clearing air balls during corners and free kicks. Though he didn't start last time, Mathieu may start at the back this Sunday if Mascherano plays at defensive mid.


                             Sergio Ramos                                                               Gerard Pique

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos is the greatest defender for the Whites' for the past few years. Currently the world's best, Ramos is not only a defender, but also a warrior and a spirit for the side. His absence coincided with Real Madrid's worst performance in the season. Being highly influential in Real's victories, Ramos is famous for his aerial abilities and his goal scoring record. He is also excellent in terms of defending and has a good speed and dribbling ability. Without doubt, Ancelotti will make him play the whole game at New Camp.

Took over Barca's control of defense after Puyol retired back in 2013. Currently in good form, Pique would start against Real Madrid alongside Mascherano or Mathieu. He is also good in goal scoring and defending. Unlike Ramos, Pique hasn't had good luck in recent meetings. He was often poor against Madrid for the past few meetings and got dribbled down by Cristiano, Bale and Benzema. Though his performance against Champions League holders is bad, Gerard Pique will still be in starting XI against Carlo Ancelotti's men.


                   Marcelo Junior                                                                 Jordi Alba

Perhaps, he and Alaba remains the finest left back today. A perfect winger. Marcelo cannot be replaced by anyone in Real Madrid and Brazil. The Brazilian is a major influence on Cristiano Ronaldo and also supports the Portugese. Also a major star in Real's attack. When on defense, Marcelo is great and can threaten Messi and Neymar during the game. In the past years, Carlo Ancelotti hasn't benched Marcelo in high clashes.

Jordi Alba is the second best in La Liga and is a major influence on MSN. Links up well with the others in the squad and is a better defender than Marcelo. The rising popularity of the young Spaniard means that a bright future seeks Jordi Alba. Like Marcelo, Luis Enrique will start Jordi Alba at the left flank.

MIDFIELDERS

               Lucas Silva/Francisco Isco                                                   Javier Mascherano

It may seem impossible to drop Isco against the Catalans, but it is also not possible to drop Lucas Silva. Isco may provide an extra attack but a stabled defence is more important for Real Madrid than attack. For that case, Lucas Silva must start. But Isco is the best player for Real this year. So, dropping him would cause chaos in the dressing rom and media. As for it is, Isco is the favourite to start, but Lucas Silva must atleast be given a few minutes by Ancelotti.

The best centre-back and best defensive midfielder in Barcelona is Javier Mascherano. Moreover, he is also paradoxically their captain. The fellow Argentine, whose heroics led Argentina to World Cup finals, made headlines with his performance. He acts as the common link between the defense and attack. Most probably, would be starting at the midfield this El Clasico.

                       Toni Kroos                                                    Ivan Rakitic/Sergio Busquets

Bought from Bayern Munich this summer, Toni Kroos has turned an attacking masterclass to a centre midfielder. Fantastic when on ball and one of the biggest asset in the game. He is also energetic throughout a match and never shy of having one or two shots of his own. Never responsible for losses and an efficient air ball producer. Ancelotti would not drop Toni Kroos in such an important clash.

The Croatian is a significant player in the squad and is hitting his peak this month. Scored the winner against City with a chip last game and produced a highly satisfactory performance against former. But Sergio Busquets may have the last laugh. Always a starter for Barcelona in the past few seasons, Busquets has a lion's share of moments in the Clasico than Rakitic. Both of them helps the defence and Rakitic is instrumental for Suarez. With current form, Rakitic is the favourite to feature in tip-top clash.

                         
                  Luka Modric                                                                Xavi/Andres Iniesta

Perhaps, the most missed player of the season is back for God's sake. Luka Modric can't be defined like others. Best midfielder in the squad, most efficient producer of passes, marvelous retainer of possession, good defending, excellent ball control etc. are some of Luka's qualities. His arrival has stopped the recent struggle for form from the team and moreover, acts as the backbone of the squad. The control of midfield lies between Modric. He is also the second player with most accuracy and has the highest retain control (around 5 times in 90 minutes). Couldn't imagine El Clasico without him.

The best trio of all time is Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. There was a time at which this trio could be stopped only by God. Though Messi is still class, Xavi and Iniesta has been fighting for chance. Xavi has been great in the league and Iniesta still remains their backbone. Don't know who is going to start at Camp Nou, maybe Enrique would consider both of them in the starting XI. The presence of Xavi or Iniesta or both could make El Clasico tough for Real to handle.

ATTACKERS

                          Gareth Bale                                                               Neymar Junior

Gareth Bale must tie up his laces if he wants to stop the recent criticism. The Welshman was excellent at the start of the season, but an injury at mid-October affected him. He couldn't take up part in the first Clasico and then never hit his peak. However, Modric's return resulted in his improvement as he hammered two goals into the net last match. Bale is known for his sheer pace and power. The performance against Levante meant that Gareth Bale has finally returned to form and Ancelotti will give him a chance.

Neymar Junior has transformed from a young talent to a Balon d'Or contender. He can never never be called a future star because he is already performing more than his expectations at the moment. He links up with fellow star Messi and has scored 17 goals in the league. Has an excellent finishing ability and causes problems when on ball. Neymar must be watched carefully as he is good enough to change the course of a game.

                     Karim Benzema                                                            Luis Suarez

Karim Benzema was fantastic in the last four El Clasicos. The Frenchman had a spectacular start to the season and was awarded 'Player of October and November' by Real Madrid CF. However, the New Year never really saw the best of Benzema. His form was dropped down but he still had one or two memorable games this year. Was great last match and had the best chance of the game to score. However, Benzema's recent form against Barcelona must not be underestimated. There is still a lot of hope in the Frenchman.

Was bought for 85 million euros this summer, but had his debut against Real Madrid after serving a four month ban. Suarez was great during his debut and assisted for Neymar's goal. Though he never hit his peak under Luis Enrique, Suarez still settled in the first team. Was lame at the start of New Year but began to breathe then. The Uruguayan returned back to England against Manchester City and thrashed them by scoring both the goals in 2-1 win. Suarez, then had a fantastic month and also hit the woodwork in his last match. His skill, passing and unpredictable finishing must be a great asset for Luis Enrique when they host Real Madrid.

               Cristiano Ronaldo                                                               Lionel Messi

Experienced the best start of the season in his 11-year old career and scored 20 goals with 13 Liga Matches. That included 12 goals in 5 matches and three hattricks. However, he never recovered to his best since January. After being crowned World Player of The Year, Ronaldo just scored 9 goals in this year. Though he has a spectacular month going on, still being criticized for lack of goals. But he can never be benched because you don't know when he shows his class.

Lionel Messi is back. The player that would be watched this Clasico will be the Argentine. He is going through a fantastic time, scoring 20 goals in the year and 12 assists. Morever, very efficient in dribbling and passing. Messi seems almost unstoppable. He is currently 2 goals ahead of Ronaldo in Golden Shoe race. Surely, Real Madrid defenders must watch out or they will be thrashed by the Argentine.      

      

     

  

El Clasico Special: Five reasons why Real Madrid can win at Camp Nou.

A STRENGTHENED DEFENCE IS AN ASSET 

RAMOS AND PEPE

Sergio Ramos's return has caused a huge impact for the defenders. The back four was unable to stop the opponents on a consistent basis after the Spaniard was injured back in January.

Life without him was hard as Madrid went through several thrashing. 4-0, 4-3, 1-1, 1-0, all of those were nightmares for the club and fans.

The return of Sergio Ramos bought a light of life among the defenders. Centre-back Pepe played his best match of the year and Ramos was, of course, instrumental in keeping the opponents at bay.

The two full-backs, were also great in Real Madrid's win.

This shows that the defensive woes have finally cheered up and they have found the perfect coordination between them when on field. They are alert, quick in passing and is able to communicate in the field from one end of to the other with the ball. This has also resulted in a number of influential crosses during the match.

A PERFECT DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER

LUCAS SILVA VS LEVANTE

Asier Illaramendi was named as Xabi Alonso's new heir. But that is not so. It is rather Lucas Silva. The young Brazilian has turned into a controller and has been effective as a last man for Carlo Ancelotti.

Lucas Silva was bought at the Winter Transfer and has since started in 6 out of possible 9 games. 

He can be considered as the "Fifth Man" or the Last Man in the squad. Lucas Silva has done a number of tackles and passes in a short period of time and is influencing like Xabi Alonso did.

He is also very effective in attacking ways and coordinates well with the other midfielders. Lucas Silva was also more confident then others during his debut.

This growing popularity of Lucas Silva would be a way for him to start in the Clasico and strengthen the defence.

MIDFIELDERS COULD PROVE CRUCIAL

KROOS AND MODRIC

Around 90% of Madrid's possession and control of the game lies between the midfielders. Real Madrid are a team that consists of 8 or 9 midfielders. 

They are the asset of the squad and is responsible for the attacks and at times rescues them from opponents. Isco, Modric, Kroos and Lucas Silva make the perfect midfield package.

Kroos has been highly effective throughout the season with the most assists and passes in the team. Isco is the best player in the year so far, and Lucas Silva is the new Xabi Alonso.

Luka Modric is the most influential player in the whole team.

With Isco, Kroos and Modric in the attacking line and Silva at the defensive line, Madrid seemed to be unstoppable.

Surely, the midfield is the most important factor which affects Madrid. And with Modric's return they all seemed to gear up. This was a result of 2-0 win against Levante in which more than 95% passes came from the opponent half along with 22 shots.

LEVANTE MATCH PROVED THAT BBC ARE BACK IN FORM

BALE, BENZEMA, CRISTIANO

Real Madrid's attacking trio : Bale, Benzema and Cristiano has geared up from their recent slump. The attacking trio was out of favor for the Real fans and was booed by them.

However, they scored all the six goals in the month with Ronaldo three, Bale two and Benzema one. Though they never produced a great performance in recent weeks, the three were highly responsible for Real's win against Levante.

Real Madrid created 22 chances with 15 from BBC and the rest from the entire squad. They also hit two crossbars, an offside goal and both the goals.

Gareth Bale was criticized for the past two months. However, the Welshman silenced critics with a spectacular display against Levante, netting both the goals. He showed his anger by kicking the corner flag after the first goal.

Benzema, on the other side, showed quality and was quick in reacting with the others. The striker had the closest chance in the night hitting a perfect cross at the crossbar with a back flip. Had it been a goal, it would remain as one of the greatest La Liga goal of all time. Morever, he performed way better then in recent weeks.

If anyone deserved goals against Levante other than Bale, it was Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugese was frustrated, not due to his performance, but due to his unluckiness. This might be his best month in the year so far, with good performances against Villareal and a savior against Schalke with two fantastic headers. 

Last night, Ronaldo had the first real chance, hitting a well controlled ball at the crossbar. The first goal was actually Ronaldo's, but the referee and the linesman hadn't a good look at it. Benzema tucked a cross for Cristiano, who attempted a bicycle kick which was cleared inside the goal line by a defender, only for Bale to smash home. The second goal was actually Ronaldo's. Modric freekick resulted in Carvajal assisting Ronaldo, who smashed a low shot into the goal which deflected off Bale's foot.

The performance against Levante had surely opened the eyes of the final three and expectations are indeed high for them when they are against Luis Enrique's men.

THE RETURN OF RAMOS AND LUKA MODRIC

RAMOS AND LUKA VS BASEL

 Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos returned into action together for the first time in three months against Levante.

The duo who was missed for three months and five weeks respectively, played together to display the greatest first 45 minutes for Real Madrid this whole season. Real created around 13 clear chances, including two goals, a crossbar and several other chances.

The defense was strengthened, the midfield became steady and the useless passing between the ends was finally stopped after their return. The match was something Madrid missed since last November 14.

However, all those things that proved crucial occurred in a single game: Real Madrid vs Levante. Though there were only two goals, that wont tell the whole story of the game.

The match would remain as a threat for Barcelona whom they will meet next week and will also silence the critics and boos that each and every member of the squad experienced in recent weeks from the fans.    

     

    

    

Real Madrid - Levante UD: One last chance before Camp Nou visit.

Sergio Ramos return is a great boost for struggling Real Madrid

7 days before El Clasico.

MADRID - Real Madrid would look for their first win in four matches against Levante with Sergio Ramos returning to strenghten the squad.

The team is currently experiencing a hard time, without a single win in March.

Meanwhile, Luka Modric has already returned against Schalke and Sergio Ramos is said to start against Levante.

Real Madrid will play one final time before taking up Barcelona next week. The game is of utmost importance because tonight would decide some of how Madrid would perform against Levante.

The match is after the loss to Schalke at home on Tuesday. Real Madrid trembled to a 4-3 defeat, though advancing 5-4 on aggregate. The team witnessed a brave performance from Schalke.

Morever, Ramos was the most missed these few weeks.

The appearance of Ramos would not only result as a world-class defender, but also a spirit and a great warrior for team.

Casillas may start at the line and the common four: Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal would be the defensive options. Pepe may swap position with Varane.

If Madrid choose a 4-3-3 line up, then: Modric, Isco and Kroos may be the midfielders and BBC the attackers.

The defense must surely step up ahead of the game and Benzema, Bale must perform according to expectations to start against Barcelona.

The match is set to start at Estadio Santiago bernabeu at 21:00 CET.

       

Real Madrid-Schalke 04 Match Preview: Modric returns to rescue Ancelotti.

 

Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric returns against Schalke.

Struggling BBC hopes to find form with their arrival.

Real Madrid would look to put back their worst week behind with a conscious performance against Schalke 04.

Real Madrid have gone through a difficult week with a poor result at home against Villareal and defeat in hands of Athletic Bilbao. The two results meant Barca top the table for the first time since October and Cristiano Ronaldo been caught by Messi in Golden Shoe race.

With Luka Modric and Ramos returning, Real Madrid would look back to emulate their months of September to December. Real registered 13 consecutive wins with Luka Modric. 

With his absence, Madrid won 17, lost 4 and drew 2. This also includes defeats against Atletico twice (2-0, 4-0) and against Valencia, Villareal and Bilbao. Madrid also exited from cup competition losing 4-2 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, the result was very impressive with Modric and Real was efficient in passing and scoring. Cristiano scored around 20 goals including two hattricks and a super hattrick with Modric. Benzema was chosen Player of October by Real Madrid and was instrumental during November.

Madrid created a lot of chances with Modric than without him. His return would surely be a boost for the entire squad and especially for Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema.

Meanwhile, Ramos has been the spirit of Los Blancos. Real seemed less energetic without him.

Ramos was an efficient skipper, a great defender and always a savior for Madrid. 

The return of two giants must surely make a difference when they meet Schalke.

Real Madrid play against Schalke after holding a 2-0 lead in the first leg and with a good home record against German oppositions (W22 D4 L2). The match also the first UCL at home since November against Ludogorets Razgrad.

The match is scheduled to start at 20:45 CET at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.    

Atletico Bilbao-Real Madrid Preview: To San Memes before Clasico

  

Ancelotti would look to thrash as in the last meeting between the two.

Its just three matches before Barca showdown.

Real Madrid would look to stay five points ahead in the race, though Barca still have a game in hand, with a victory against the Basque's.

Real Madrid thrashed Atletico Bilbao in their last meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a hattrick.

A similar performance can be expected but the circumstances weren't the same, last time they met. The game would be one of the three which Madrid would play before El Clasico.

Real Madrid had a poor start to this tough month with a lame draw against Villareal at home.

Atletico Bilbao are currently at a good stand after reaching the Copa del Rey final where they will meet Luis Enrique's Barcelona.

Earlier, Ancelotti exclaimed that Ronaldo would be his first choice free-kick taker despite failing in 51 atttempts. The last time they two met at Bilbao, Real Madrid were held 1-1 after Ronaldo was sent off.

Real Madrid would possibly lineup in their custom 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 with Casillas, Marcelo, Carvajal, Varane and Pepe all expected to be the backline.

Kroos, Isco and Lucas Silva will be the possible midfield trio and Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema the attacking option.

The game is set to be the first after Real celebrated their 113th anniversary last night.

The match is scheduled to start at 18:00 CET at San Memes, Bilbao.  

 

Ronaldo put down one of his greatest performance this season despite muted result against Villareal

  

Real Madrid showed poor performance against Villareal but Ronaldo not to blame.

If anyone who actually deserved credit, it might be Cristiano.

MADRID- Real Madrid seemed to be awful for a night when they had 18 shots overall. Goal.com rated Ronaldo as one who was ran out of ideas.

But actually he was the one who really held the nerves for Real. 

A team consisting of Bale, Benzema, Isco and Kroos were all muted in the Yellow Submarine. But Ronaldo produced runs and attacks from almost everywhere in the opposition's half.

A good lengthy run from the centre and a number of step-over-rolls and elastico's and even Ronaldo chops: all the said were delighted in his performance. This was something we missed from Ronaldo this whole season.

Being unselfish was good to a point, but the best striker of a team scoring is better than rather assisting.

The Ronaldo we saw 2012-2014 has changed a lot from what we saw in 2014-15 season.

The Ronaldo we saw during his golden years was like a devil who hit long ranges, and trembled the defence.

Comparing his performance to last night, he was similar to what he was at his golden years. He dispossessed just once in the game and made great runs in the field and with 13 shots. 7 of his shots were tested by Sergio Ascenjo.

He also had 9 successful dribbles against Villareal and a flying header which resulted in Ascenjo's finest saves of his career.

The striker also pulled Ascenjo to 3 excellent saves which couldn't have been hit anymore better.

Cristiano also had great speed and vision which he missed this whole season last night. He tucked one for Bale, who wasted a goal scoring opportunity.

After all, it isn't Ronaldo's blame for draw and it was Sergio Ascenjo's heroics moreover to be congratulated.