Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare to face off tomorrow in the much awaited clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. The match will offer hosts Madrid the chance to extend their lead over Barcelona should they win and keep them level on points with the Catalans in case they lose.
A loss however is not on the mind of Jose Mourinho who is looking to extend Madrid’s 9 game home winning streak. Los Blancos have played 10 games at the Santiago Bernabeu and have won 9 and drawn 1 – the 2-2 draw in the Spanish super cup.
In all the 10 matches Madrid have scored an impressive 43 goals and conceded only 11. Barcelona on the other hand are looking to hand Mourinho a shock defeat tomorrow as they seek to climb up the League table.
However, FIFA Ballon d’Or shortlist Xavi has taken a more conservative tone saying that the match is not a must win.Speaking to sports daily As ahead of the match, Xavi stated that there would still be a lot of points left to pick up even in the case of a lose.
“If we did not win, there would still be many points,” he said.
“There will be no [final] verdict.”
“Madrid are doing well, with 11 straight wins in the league, and they have three more points than us,” the Spain midfielder told AS. “The advantage means they are currently better, but the Clasico is not about ranking. Anything can happen.”
On the passionate exchanges that normally take place on the pitch, this is what Xavi had to say.
“On Saturday, each player will fight for his team to win.
“It is logical that sometimes tension occurs on the field. I hope that at the end of the game we are talking about football and only that.”
Of course the match is also expected to be a face off between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who are joint top scorers with 17 goals each. A good performance from either would significantly enhance their chances of winning the coveted FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011.
Personally, i believe Madrid will come out on top however, you can never really rule out Barcelona. The Catalans are themselves experiencing a good run in the league and the the match will definitely be a cracker.
Photo Credit © Europa Press
