Barcelona takes on Real Madrid tonight at the Nou Camp in what promises to be a clash of the titans.
The two sides have amassed 49 league titles between them (31 Real Madrid; 18 Barcelona). Arguably the two sides are the best in the world on current form. It is fair to say, it does not get any bigger than this.
It is perhaps the bitterest rivalry in world football. There is no love lost between the two sets of fans. There is added spice to this game as the controversial Jose Mourinho is in charge of Madrid. Mourinho was a former “translator” for ex Barcelona manager,
Sir Bobby Robson. Since then Mourinho has beaten Barcelona both with Chelsea and Inter Milan. It seems as if Mourinho has some unsettled issues with the Barcelona hierarchy.
On the other hand the ever impressive Pep Guardiola will be in charge of Barcelona. He has a 100% win record against the Los Blancos. Mourinho will surely be looking to spoil this record.
If recent form is anything to go by there is nothing to separate the two sides. Barcelona and Madrid both are in rich vein of form, coming into this game on the back of comprehensive victories last weekend.
Some of the best attacking players will be on display. Ronaldo and Messi will go head to head and will be crucial to the eventual outcome of the game. The tremendous talents do not end with them. The likes of Ozil, Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Villa and Higuain
will make for an exceptional game.
The atmosphere of the Nou Camp will also play a vital part in the game. With more than 120,000 people in the stadium, it will be an amazing spectacle. It is one of the most intimidating stadiums for any away team to play in, and will be even more so for
the Madrid superstars. There is no more hostile environment for the Los Blancos in world football.
Only 1 point separates the two giants sitting on the top of La Liga. Invariably the outcome of the El Classico is decisive in the title race but Mourinho thinks otherwise. He has underplayed the importance of the result all week but this could be part of
his conniving mind games. Rest assured everyone involved knows the immense magnitude of this game.
There will be added motivation for both teams. Madrid will be looking for revenge as they have suffered heavy defeats lately to their arch rivals. On the other hand Barcelona will be looking to silence Jose Mourinho after he masterminded the demise of the
Catalans in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League last year and celebrated rather graphically much to the annoyance of the Barca fans.
The intensity and the hype surrounding this game will affect the players on the field. It will not be a surprise to see a very physical game and no one will want to bet against a red card. The referee will have his work cut out and will be under the spot
light as every decision will be scrutinised by fans, players and managers alike.
No matter what the eventual outcome is. This match is a must watch, the galaxy of stars will gather to flaunt their extreme talents for the world to watch. You don’t need to be either a Madrid or a Barca fan to enjoy this game. Behold the world for a clash
of the titans.
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