FC Barcelona
El Clasico Part II
View part 1 here
It is hard to believe that it has already been over 4 months since we last saw a Clásico. The last time these two went head-to-head it was Barcelona who came on top. The Madridstas will however voice their opinion that the referee was unfair and the result could have been different. All that is behind us now as another Clásico looms.
This season has to be the most exciting season since Valencia managed to overcome the two powerhouses of the Spanish football league and Europe as a whole. With the intensity of Athletico Madrid increasing by the week, none of these two can afford to slip up.
Lionel Messi has been in and out of form and this might his worst performing season due to his absence from football for over 2 months. In his absence Ronaldo and Costa have taken the duties of making the goal scoring headlines.Clásico is Barcelona's 'last chance' this seasonReal Madrid are on top of the log and have a very convincing unbeaten record, but the last team to beat them was Barcelona and they will be looking to repeat that fate in order for them to stay in the title race.
Once more the spotlight will be on the two rising stars from both teams. Every move they make will be scrutinized and Bale will be looking to make a similar impact, Neymar had in his first home El Clásico debut.
Their season so far;
- Bale has made headlines and has stepped up in Ronaldo brief absences due to injuries and suspension. Bale now has 11 La Liga assists - the most by any Real Madrid player - and added a further two in the Champions League against Schalke in midweek
- Neymar has been making headlines off the pitch. His recent scandal has led to the departure of the Barcelona president. On the pitch he has been impressive as well, he now has 11 assists for Barcelona this season - more than Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi.
Record: Last six
Barcelona: W W L W L W
Real Madrid: W W W D W W
This is a must win for both teams but Barcelona will definitely be feeling the heat as a win will get them within points and if they lose, Atlético have a chance to increase the gap between 3rd and 2nd place.
Matchday Highlights
Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona
Iniesta 7' (0-1)
Benzema 20' (1-1) 23' (2-1)
Benzema chance 26'
Messi 42' (2-2), 65' pen (3-3) 84' pen (3-4)
Ronaldo 55' pen (3-2)
RED CARD Sergio Ramos 63'
Dani Alves hits the post 74'
The Fights