Real Madrid goes into the UEFA Champions League semifinal with a psychological edge over Barcelona that suffers a ‘http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 Scourge’
With four El Clasicos lined up in less than three weeks, both, Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready to go all-in for the mutual animosity they share amongst each other.
First there is a La Liga fixture at Madrid’s home, followed by a Copa del Rey Final four days after on Wednesday, 20th April, 2011.
The icing on the cake is the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie between the two Spanish giants. The first leg is scheduled to be played at Madrid’s home, Santiago Bernabue, on 27th April, while the second leg at Barcelona’s turf, Camp Nou, on 3rd May.
The first of the El Clasico(s) was played on Saturday, 16th April, at the Santiago Bernabue. Being a La Liga fixture, this was a crucial game for Real Madrid, currently trailing table leader, Barcelona, by 8 points.
The match was excruciating, with splendid performances from both sides that ended with a 1-1 draw. The star players from both clubs, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 (Barcelona) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), were in the score sheet.
Prior to this match Ronaldo had never scored against Barcelona, neither as a Manchester United player, nor as Real Madrid's. However, the Portuguese starlet kept the Catalans on their toes throughout the match, scoring and ending Barcelona’s 5-game winning streak against Madrid.
Last night, 20th April, the Copa del Rey Final was battled at Estadio Mestalla, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863. Again both sides exhibited marvelous football for audiences across the globe. The match was tied at 0-0 after 90 minutes of astounding performances from both sides.
As the match went into extra time, it was clear to everybody that none of the two Spanish clubs would let the other score against them and therefore everyone was anticipating a penalty shootout to decide who gets to lift the Spanish Cup.
However, Ronaldo struck again to crush the Catalan Giants with his perfectly headed goal in the 102nd minute, at the end of the first half of extra time. Thus, Ronaldo once again acted as a curse for Barcelona, ending their treble dreams and aiding the Los Blancos to lift the first silverware of the Spanish season.
Although, it is highly doubtful that Madrid can close the gap with Barcelona in La Liga, the mental trauma and the ‘Ronaldo’ curse may overpower them in losing their La Liga title to the Los Blancos as well.
As for the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona would actually have to face Ronaldo for a possible 180 minutes in which they are bound to make silly tackles on the former United star, grabbing cards and conceding free kicks.
With the ‘Ronaldo’ factor looming over the minds of the Barcelona players, it is most likely that they will fall to Madrid in the crucial Champions League tie. If Ronaldo scores again in the first leg, the Catalans would have some serious psychological issues as they prepare to go into the second leg.
Regardless of another Ronaldo goal, Real has a clear psychological edge over Barcelona as they go into the Champions League semifinal.
“The game was over and I went to the dressing room and tried to call my family", Ronaldo said, after the match. “I rested a bit and let the players enjoy their moment. We were better in the first half and they were better in the second half but we came good at the end. The title isn't just mine, it's everyone's. After so long without the Copa del Rey, it's nice. This has nothing to do with titles, this has to do with changing the structure of how the club works, the mentality of people”.
Ronaldo ended his scoring drought against Barca in the first El Clasico from a spot kick. For those who might argue that to be a goal presented on a plate, he also scored his first goal in open play against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey Final.
Barca would have to wait to see what the Madrid No.7 has next in line for them.
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