Internet Desk: Matches between the two Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are always significant, regardless of the motives in various situations before they are heading into the game on Saturday.
It’s been rare for Barcelona to enter this fixture with a poor form in recent years. Manager Luis Enrique branded their effort against Real Sociedad in the 1-1 draw last weekend as the “worst game” since he took over the post in 2014. With six points between them and league leaders Real, it’s clear some serious improvement is needed.
By contrast, this is a game in which Real Madrid can make a major statement. In recent meetings between the two sides it has been rare for Madrid to be in such a strong position and not since their last La Liga triumph, in 2011-12, have they been in a position to deliver what is potentially a telling blow in the race for the title. This is a tremendous chance to do so.
Real, of course, won this fixture last term, coming from behind to snatch a late victory through Cristiano Ronaldo and breathing life back into their title challenge. It was a win that tipped Barca into a poor run of form that almost cost them the La Liga they clinched in 2015-16.
If Zidane’s men are to repeat that trick, it’ll be without some key men. With no Gareth Bale and no Toni Kroos, Zidane will need to call on all of his tactical acumen to create a winning formula. There are also big doubts over the fitness of Pepe, Raphael Varane and Casemiro too.
Barcelona’s only major player likely to miss is Jordi Alba by contrast and Enrique, as such, will be relying on key individuals to make their mark in this one. Far too frequently this season they’ve relied on Lionel Messi to pull them out of the mire and this is a chance for another Clasico hero to emerge.