El Clasico 2010: Barcelona vs Real MadridKicking-off: What is El Clasico?
El Clasico is the name assigned to any football or soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in any competition. It means “The Classic” in English, and in Spanish, it can also be referred to “El derbi Español” or “El Clàssic”.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both among the world’s most respected clubs. On account of their big players and great history, El Clasico has turned out to be one of sport’s most followed games in recent years. Real have the overall advantage with 85 victories in all, while FC Barcelona have 4 less wins. In a total of 48 matches, both teams have drawn on 42 occasions.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo against FC Barcelona in El ClasicoBarcelona and Real Madrid – Positions in La Liga
Date/Time: Nov 29, 2010, 3:00pm
Competition: Spain La Liga
El Clasico
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona (Barcelona)
Since the start of the season, both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have played 12 league games just as any other side in La Liga. Coincidently, they both have 10 wins, giving them 30 automatic points in the table. But the Blaugrana have a defeat and a draw in their account, whereas Los Blancos are unbeaten with 2 draws.
Both also have average of 2.75 goals per match; yet when it comes to defense, Real have the upper hand. Thanks to their current record of 0.5 goals conceded per game, they emerge as the side with the strongest resistance in Spain. Their archrivals can only come second, with 8 goals allowed in all.
For the first time in the past few years, Madrid have stood firm for several consecutive match-days, and their consistency has rewarded them with a well-deserved top spot in the overall standings of La Liga. Nevertheless, only one point separates them from Barcelona. A drop in El Clasico could hence tarnish the remainder of their season, but at the same time, a triumph on Monday would send them even more ahead in their race for success.
El Clasico: Barcelona and Real Madrid’s Preparation and Team News
Barcelona's Lionel Messi in trainingBarcelona
Looking ahead to a strict match on Monday, Barca and Los Blancos are aware that focus and exertion are needed to prevail. The official FC Barcelona website reported that the Catalans had a “gentle training session” on Thursday night in preparation for their next challenge. Valdes and Iniesta apparently had to undergo a fitness session at the gym, while the injured Milito was left out from the manager’s plans.
Guardiola’s new signing Adriano is also said to have felt a cramp in his left calf, following his Champions League game against Panathinaikos in mid-week. Club doctors have however confirmed that no damage was made, and that he should be fine for Day 13 in La Liga. Barcelona B players Miño, Fontàs and Thiago as well completed the training session along with Youth A full-back Ivan Balliu.
Real Madrid
RealMadrid.com stated on Thursday that the Galacticos were led to a training session by their coach ahead of El Clasico earlier in the day. According to the report, Higuain missed the preparation due to pains in his back, while Khedira was not able to participate following a strained right hamstring. Kaka and Gago were also excluded owing to injuries.
The other fit players went through fitness work, and then tested their reflex through a game of foot-volley. There will obviously be more similar sessions before El Clasico’s commencement; but so far, both sides seem to be satisfied with their conditions.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: The secret battles
El Clasico will not only be a case of one giant against another. In fact, several individual battles appear to be hidden in this clash; but at first glance, the most remarkable ones are none other than those involving both clubs’ mightiest personalities.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi
This is arguably the best individual battle in football nowadays. Lionel Messi should normally not be afraid of meeting his rival at the Camp Nou next up, considering the fact that he is not a “beginner” when it comes to facing tough circumstances. Cristiano Ronaldo is however yet to score in a match featuring the Argentine, although Monday could be his special day.
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho in the Champions LeagueJose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola
Both managers can definitely be regarded as “Special Ones”. Mourinho is nonetheless greater than the Spaniard in terms of achievements; but still, confronting him is not an easy task for the Portuguese. The former Chelsea boss lost twice to Guardiola in his days at Inter Milan in the Champions League, but he still holds the most famous victory thanks to a great management in the first of leg his 2009/10 semifinals challenge. They will meet again in the upcoming Clasico; but then again, Mourinho will have to think of winning at the Camp Nou for the first time ever.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid - The Last Clasico
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