El Clasico: Three key battles

Aditya Devavrat 13:17 22/04/2017
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  • Sunday will see the latest installment of the bitter rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the La Liga title riding on this edition of El Clasico.

    A Real Madrid win would put them six points ahead of their rivals, with a game in hand – which will more or less see them wrap up the title. However, Barcelona would draw level with a win, albeit having played a game more.

    With so much riding on the game, here’s a look at three key battles that will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the game.

    LIONEL MESSI VS REAL MADRID’S DEFENCE

    The Barcelona magician has an excellent overall record against Real Madrid, having scored 21 goals in El Clasico across all competitions, more than any other players. 14 of those have come in La Liga, joint-most with Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano.

    But he hasn’t scored in his last six meetings with Real Madrid, with his last El Clasico goal coming in 2014. In those six matches, Messi, who holds the record for most assists in El Clasico history with 13, has only notched one assist.

    Have Marcelo and company figured out how to stop the Argentinian? With Neymar’s absence through suspension, the Madrid defence can pay more attention to Messi – although the Barcelona star is more than capable of dealing with a team completely focused on stopping him.

    LUIS SUAREZ VS SERGIO RAMOS

    While Neymar may be missing, the other member of the MSN triumvirate will be raring to go. Luis Suarez scored the last time these sides met, nodding home a free-kick from close range to put Barcelona in front.

    The scorer of the equalising goal in that game? Sergio Ramos, popping up with one of his famous last-gasp goals.

    Of course, the reason Suarez vs Ramos is a key battle is not because anyone expects the Los Blancos defender to match Suarez’s goalscoring exploits. Ramos will be tasked with stopping the Uruguayan from adding to his 24 league goals.

    Expect this battle to be feisty, with both players capable of getting under the other’s skin. Not to mention, Suarez and Ramos are sure to be among the cadre of players leading the histrionics in a game that always throws up plenty of displays of theatricality.

    ISCO VS ANDRES INIESTA

    Although Gareth Bale returned to training on Thursday following an injury lay-off, Isco is likely to get the nod to start, and the young Spaniard has been in fine form. His two goals against Sporting Gijon last week included an injury-time winner that kept Real Madrid in control of the title race.

    Isco has long been thought of as the natural heir to players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the Spain midfield, and with Iniesta lined up on the opposite side of the pitch, the youngster will get the chance to pit his talents against the Barcelona veteran.

    Iniesta hasn’t hit his usual lofty heights this seasons, as age begins to catch up with the 32-year-old. But El Clasico is the perfect stage for the Barcelona captain to deliver another virtuoso performance.

    Which midfield maestro will have the bigger impact on this game?

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