MADRID: The most dangerous team without the ball, counter-attack kings Real Madrid, host lords of possession Barcelona on Saturday in a titanic clash of footballing philosophies.
The world’s two richest clubs by income will lock horns for an eighth time since Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho took the helm at the Bernabeu a year and a half ago and they could be forgiven for being sick of the sight of each other.
European champions Barca, who continue to be considered the benchmark in world soccer, are chasing a club record-equalling fourth consecutive La Liga title and under coach Pep Guardiola have held an almost hypnotic hold over their arch rivals. Saturday’s match at Real’s Bernabeu stadium is unlikely to stray from the standard script of Barca seeking to control possession, with Real applying asphyxiating pressure and then breaking quickly when they steal the ball.
One big difference this time round is that Real hold the upper hand just over three months into the season.
They top the standings by three points with a game in hand and are on a run of 15 straight wins in all competitions. The pressure is on Barca to come looking for a victory. Real have suffered six red cards to Barca’s one in the last seven ‘Clasicos’, and that has in part been due to the anxiety and frustration they have felt as they have tried to overhaul their bitter rivals.
“Madrid are euphoric and physically strong at the moment, all their players seem to be in top form,” former Real director general Jorge Valdano said.
Barca meanwhile have struggled on their travels in La Liga this year scraping only two 1-0 wins. They have appeared jaded and over-reliant on top scorer Lionel Messi at times. Without doubt it would not be easy for Gurdiola’ s boys to oust Mourhino’s men. (Agencies)