Ahead of Barcelona’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid supporter Ashraf Abdin previews the game for Sport360, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
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The long-awaited first El Clasico of the season is upon us and Real Madrid will want to gain the bragging rights of this one.
Before the international break, Los Blancos slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Sevilla, which meant losing grip on top spot in the La Liga table for the first time in a month, sitting three points behind this weekend’s opponents.
Benítez: “The team come into the Clásico in good shape.” READ: https://t.co/oNxEMXU7dW #RMClasico #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/29yNmEC0E5
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) November 20, 2015
The defeat to Sevilla was the team’s first since a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the pre-season Audi Cup in August, and ended a run of three straight wins in the Spanish top flight.
Despite letting in three goals last time out, Real still have one of the best defences in the league, conceding just seven times in 11 fixtures so far this term, while keeping six clean sheets.
Only Atletico Madrid have a stronger record at the back so far this season.
The team still have more goals than any of their La Liga rivals too, with 26 so far, including eight from top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, with three of them coming in his last four matches.
With the start of the January transfer window just over six weeks away, a number of players have been linked with Real over the international break, while Gareth Bale continues to be rumoured with a move away from the club.
We’re ready for the Clásico! #RMCity #RMClasico #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/UFsLu8jyF0
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) November 20, 2015
Rafa Benitez has been continuously criticized by the Madrid-based media although he had a decent start to the season.
Numerous fans and pundits believe that his tactical approach is rather negative, forcing the team to play more defensively and taking away the freedom of the attacking players from staying forward.
Personally, I feel that the criticism is a bit harsh on Rafa. The team looks much more organised and the defence has improved drastically compared to the last few years.
You win Champions League finals with these disciplined performances. However, the Real Madrid faithful want more than just winning, they want attractive, free-flowing football, and Benitez will have his work cut out to deliver this style. Just ask Fabio Capello.
I believe this game will be won (or lost) depending on the performance of the defence.
Keeping Barcelona quiet is never an easy job, and the likes of Pepe and Sergio Ramos will have to be in fine form to lead the defensive line.
Possible Real Madrid team:
Navas, Pepe, Ramos, Varane, Danilo, Kross, Modric, Casemiro, Isco, Ronaldo, Bale.
Man to watch:
Gareth Bale – Although Cristiano Ronaldo is the star-man, Bale has something to prove even after title-winning performances. The Welsh speedster will be key to this Madrid side, and if he is playing well, then Barcelona will have a hard time to contain him on the break.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona (Ronaldo and Suarez to score)
