Classico Preview – Madrid mount challenge to spoil Barcelona’s run
Real Madrid face Barcelona in the El Classico on Sunday with the Catalan outfit already crowned La Liga Champions. Some might write off this game as inconsequential, but there are some questions that this tie might be begging to answer.
The question on the possibility of Valverde’s men going unbeaten throughout the season, and the question on the possibility of Real Madrid not giving a guard of honor to Barcelona.
All these, when considered, could provide us with some potential fireworks at the Camp Nou, with Real Madrid possibly intent on a revenge of the 3 nil defeat they suffered at the hands of Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu last December
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have the Champions League finals in Kiev in view, and we wait to see if Zidane will be tempted to rest some of his best legs.
There is also a chance for Real Madrid to finish in second place above city rivals Atletico Madrid as the gap between the two can be closed further as Real Madrid now have a game in hand.
READ: Neymar eager to play alongside Ronaldo for Real Madrid
Barcelona, on the other hand, will likely have all their best legs in action, as they have done in almost all league games this season. Club legend Andres Iniesta will also be keen on having the last laugh over Real Madrid in an El Classico encounter, with this being the last one of his Barcelona career.
TEAM NEWS
For Madrid, Isco and Varane have returned to training as reports from Marca suggest, but it’s likely that Zidane won’t risk the duo with an eye on the bigger picture in Kiev. Carvajal continues his recuperation on the sidelines and is ruled out.
We may see Lucas Vazquez deputize once again in right back, and Benzema will be keen to continue his scoring run and may be paired alongside Ronaldo with Isco orchestrating behind them.
For Barcelona, Iniesta will be raring to go albeit the issue of a small knock which he should shake off before kickoff. Coutinho, Rakitic, and Busquets are likely to play a part in the game, with Messi and Suarez leading the line to ensure that their side emerges unscathed with their unbeaten record maintained 100% after Madrid’s visit.
In the last 5 competitive meetings between the sides, there have been 2 wins apiece and a draw between both sides. Zidane’s men may not be keen on exerting themselves much in this tie, but will gladly welcome any chance to spoil Barcelona’s unbeaten run this season, bearing the defeat they suffered from Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu in mind.
Barcelona has a record to play for and will be intent on maintaining the unbeaten run. A draw seems likely!
