La Liga News - Clash of the Titans
By Mark Roberts
The majority of those who follow Spanish football are often quick to claim that La Primera Liga is more than just a two-horse race. But when the fixtures computer generated its precious list back in July, there was just one date that was the focus of the world’s attention.
On Sunday November 29th, the biggest match in world football will take place at the Camp Nou. Ladies and gentlemen, this is El Clásico.
Forget Boca Juniors and River Plate, Inter and AC, Manchester United and Liverpool. This epic tie has more history and drama than the rest of those big derbies combined.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid is like no other rivalry. These are not two clubs divided by football alone, but instead are flag carriers for contrasting ideals and values which have formed the cornerstone of a political, social and economic rivalry lasting over a century.
But while political and social differences still lie at the heart of these great encounters, El Clásico has become more than just a clash of ideals. Instead, it showcases two of Europe’s greatest footballing teams facing off in the most glamorous and prestigious encounter throughout the world of sport.
When these teams meet, excitement and anticipation always ensues. But this year the match takes on new significance. Last season, Barcelona set Europe alight with their mouth-watering brand of Cruyffian football and surged to victory in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey. While they reigned supreme, Madrid toiled as Berndt Schuster’s dramatic implosion set the tone for a lacklustre campaign.
The events of this summer, however, dramatically changed the landscape of Spanish football. The second coming of Florentino Pérez signalled the start of a new Galactico era at Madrid and since then Kaká, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have all become honorary Blancos as they attempt to end Barca’s dominance. The imbalances have most certainly been redressed. Madrid are league leaders, one point clear of their rivals, having made their best start to a campaign since the 1991/92 season.
The two sides lining up against each other at the Camp Nou are the most closely matched teams to meet in these encounters for many years. In white, there will be 2007 and 2008 World Players of the Year Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo. Draped in maroon and blue, 2009 World Player of the Year elect Lionel Messi will lead an attacking line boasting the services of some of the most feared and respected players in the world.
The probable line-ups are:
Barcelona
1 Valdés
2 Alves - 3 Piqué - 5 Puyol - Maxwell
15 S. Keita
6 Xavi - 8 Iniesta
10 Messi - 9 Ibrahimović – 17 Pedro
The only question mark in Barca’s line-up is the injury sustained by Messi in the 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao at the weekend. If the Argentine fails to recover, Thierry Henry will likely deputize, or Andres Iniesta may advance from midfield to complete the front line. Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected to feature after recovering from a thigh injury which kept him out of the team that emphatically beat Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Real Madrid
1 Casillas
2 Ramos - 18 Albiol - 3 Pepe - 12 Marcelo
22 Alonso – 10 L. Diarra
9 Ronaldo – 8 Kaká
20 Higuaín -7 Raúl
Again, the only unknown in Madrid’s line-up surrounds their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Having been sidelined for almost two months due to an ankle injury, Coach Manuel Pellegrini could opt to use Ronaldo as an impact sub, and instead promote Eseban Granero, Royston Drenthe or possibly full-back Marcelo into midfield. It seems likely that Pellegrini will stick with in-form striker Gonzalo Higuaín, who has repaid his coach’s faith with a string of important goals recently, and will most probably partner club captain up Raúl front.
A mere glance at the prospective line-ups of the two sides, and it becomes clear why this season’s El Clásico is the most eagerly anticipated match between these giants for many seasons. Aside from the politics, this match will play host to some of the finest talent on the planet, showcasing attacking ability rivalled by none.
So when all is said and done in the Premier League at 6pm on Sunday evening, and the winners of the Midlands,Merseyside and London derbies have been decided, remember that a battle which far eclipses the rivalry, passion and excitement of any other encounter in world football is waiting to claim its place amongst the scribings of sporting history.
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