Less meaningful in terms of the importance of points in a white-colored League, the classic, a match of matches for each of the protagonists, approaches the feelings, the psychological importance of defeating the eternal rival in a duel that returns two years later to Santiago Bernabéu characterized by the absence of Karim Benzema and the opportunity for Xavi to promote his project
Never in LaLiga history has a team slipped a 10-point lead with the same number of days to go. And this Real Madrid doesn’t look like it will shine in an unprecedented collapse. Although the blows of defeats, especially when they occur in a classic, are always loud in a club that does not digest them well. On this occasion, freed from the qualifying pressure of being 15 points clear of their rival, and ten over their direct rival, Sevilla, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are looking to extend the euphoria unleashed after the European comeback against PSG.
It will be reunion with the fans of the Santiago Bernabéu after that magical evening to remember. With the footballers on wings carried by a special atmosphere that they want to repeat in the classic to overcome the difficulties. Again without Ferland Mendy on the left, with the added problem of the absence of Karim Benzema up front.
The French striker is much more than the top scorer. His withdrawal, due to muscle discomfort in a calf, leaves Real Madrid without the top scorer in the championship and, in turn, the top assistant of the team. Without the football player who everything revolves around and who improves the people around him as the game goes through him. After scoring in his last five games, he leaves the podium for someone to step up and take responsibility. A single goal in his last three absences. Ancelotti must find solutions.
Everything points to the figure of false nine, betting on the possibility of running on the counterattack, slowing down the block by meters and punishing Barcelona with speed like in the Spanish Super Cup. With a focus on the Brazilian duel between Vinícius and Dani Alves. That way, the presence of Marco Asensio or Rodrygo at the top wins options, although the latest precedent without Karim, the chosen one, in La Cerámica, was Gareth Bale. The Welshman has not played at the Bernabeu in over two years. A devastating fact.
Pure nines like Mariano or Luka Jovic seem to have fewer options due to the lack of rhythm and opportunities, as does Isco Alarcón who disappeared from Ancelotti’s plans after his fame in January. Also Marcelo, portraying him as the last classic from a side that marked an era. Even the loss of Mendy doesn’t seem to open the doors of ownership and the danger of the Barca trident gives advantage to the arrival of Nacho Fernández as a side. Fourteen goals from Barcelona in the last four rounds inspire respect for a leader who has only scored one goal from a solid Courtois in the same number of league games.
Dominator of the recent classics, with five consecutive wins in Madrid, two of them equaling their best record, Ancelotti’s team arrives at the event at a great moment. He has won his last five commitments, four in the League to take a big step towards the title, and one in the Champions League to once again believe in his chances of reigning in Europe. For the Italian coach, the result is above average and he won’t mind repeating the approach he used to beat Xavi in his first pulse in Riyadh.
The classic will be the cotton test for Barca of Xavi Hernández, who has been without defeat in the League in 12 games and who qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday after beating Galatasaray in their spirited stadium.
The good play and results have placed the Barca team third in the league with 51 points, fifteen behind the leader, although by one game less. So if Barca managed to win at Santiago Bernabeu and the postponed game against Rayo Vallecano, it would be a still hopeful nine points behind first place.
In any case, the realistic goal of Xavi Hernández’s men is to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League. In that sense, a win over the eternal rival would be a blow to the table that would confirm the upward trend and instill a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. It would also break a seven-game negative streak without beating the perennial rival between the League and the Spanish Super Cup. Barca have not beaten Real Madrid since October 28, 2018, when they won 5-1 in a league game at the Nou Camp.
The azulgrana team arrives at the white fief with four victims. Sergiño Dest has joined Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti, who had to be replaced on Thursday due to a biceps femoris injury in his left leg. On the other hand, Gerard Piqué, with discomfort in the adductor, will be available to Xavi except for surprise.
So the technician will again have the choice to make the setup. The proximity of Thursday’s Europa League game suggests that Xavi will make some changes. Dani Alves right back, Ronald Araujo center back and Ousmane Dembélé far right have options to return to the starting XI. Pedro González ‘Pedri’ who has a reserved place in the starting eleven is again giving a recital in Istanbul with a museum goal. The Canarian midfielder wants to show off on a big stage like the Bernabeu and score his first win against Real Madrid.
Probable setups:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Rodrygo, Vinicius and Marco Asensio.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Alves, Araujo, Hammered, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong; Dembele, Ferran and Aubameyang.
Source: El heraldo
Jason Jack is an experienced technology journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in computer science and engineering, he has a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and developments. He writes about a wide range of technology topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.
