El Clasico: Destiny Awaits

It all comes down to this. A clash of the titans of La Liga's storied juggernaut clubs - Barcelona vs Real Madrid. A duel that will ultimately decide who will be the league champions.

Both clubs have been in devastating form in their last set of games as momentum builds for a thrilling, nail-biting, tight rope finish to the end of the season. They have succeeded to set themselves apart from all comers in the league with both standing on 77 points, a whopping 21 points above third place Valencia.

It is no surprise that both clubs are home to the league leading goal scorers, first place Messi with 26 goals and second place Higuain, on 25. Both Argentinians have been in devastating form this season and particularly in their clubs last 4 matches. They have been lethal when in and around the 18 yard box and it is interesting to see how the two will match up tomorrow.

Yeah right! Thats not the match up that fans around the world along with coaches, journalists and football officianados have been salivating over. Lionel "The One" Messi vs Cristiano "CR9" Ronaldo. The 2008 World Player of the year going up against the reigning 2009 winner.

Lionel "The One" Messi

"The Flea" or more aptly "The One" has performed at a level that leads one to believe he is indeed operating in "The Matrix." His deft defying moves and sublime ball control is reminiscent of his coach and football great Maradona. He needs only to lift Argentina to greatness and the World Cup title to solidify his place as the greatest or at the least among the greatest ever.

Much debate has been going to and fro as to who is the world's number one. Messi's exploits in both La Liga and the Champions league has been nothing short of spectacular and has certainly earned him the right to the title. The little Argentine dynamo has scored hat tricks at will and against Arsenal he was most ruthless in scoring all four contrasting yet outstanding goals to propel his club to the semi-final.

He has decimated defenders at will, ran amok from the half-line to the 18 yard box and has shown much disdain for goalkeepers of whatever ilk, form or pedigree. He has been in a class by himself and the world hopes that he will continue to peak and continue his rich bane of form into the world cup starting in June.

Cristiano "CR9" Ronaldo

CR9 has managed to muster up only 18 goals, just a mere 18 goals in his first season at the Bernabau. A remarkable talent, he was absent in the early stages of the La Liga but his supporters and detractors have set very high standards for the former Man U stand out and hitman.

He delivered for Real in the Champions league with 7 goals before the curse of the Round of 16 exit reared its head and the hopes and dreams of the hosts of the finals were dashed by Lyon.

Ronaldo himself has made the point that Real Madrid are a good team but have not yet achieved the status of greatness that Barcelona has. The winners of 6 titles in 2008-2009 have continued in their rich vein and their talismanic player, Messi, at age 22 has been a game changer and decisive edge.

Ronaldo has in the past been a game changer for Man U and in recent games for Real Madrid. IF he is to salvage any silverware for his first stint at Real he will have to abandon the feigning of injury and being fouled and show grit and be imperious to the inevitable dirty tackles.

 Interestingly enough he says he is a different player from Messi but he would do well to emulate the 5ft 6" magician in not going down so easily and show more determination in going forward.  

Nothing short of a scintillating display of tenacity, guile, skill and poetry in motion will suffice to quench the thirst of all in attendance and those who will be watching with bated breath.

The game I believe will not be determined by the two stars going head to head in a one on one battle for who is the best in the world. The supporting cast will be the key and the difference between the eventual winner and the vanquished.

Both clubs boast a formidable line up of the world's best. Barcelona has arguably the best midfield and offensive unit in the world with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Henri, Ibrahimovic, Dani Alves and Pedro in the fray.

The Galacticos roster possesses the likes of Guti, Van der Vaart, Xabi Alonso, Higuain, Benzema and Gago. Not quite a team in the sense of the world with the process of gelling together still underway but never the less the understanding and anticipation is building and it shows in the results they have been churning out.

Barcelona holds the psychological advantage having beaten their arch rivals by a goal to nil courtesy of Ibrahimovic who incidentally will be out due to injury.

This Real Madrid team is a different team however and they have earned 12 consecutive victories with their last loss coming on January 16. They have scored at least 2 or more goals per game and have appeared more focussed since their champions league exit.

Both clubs are missing other key players with midfield engines Iniesta in doubt for Barca and Kaka out of action for Madrid.  There have been able replacements however and it is expected that the flow, intensity and battles on the filed will be just as fierce and competitive just the same.

My hope is that the match officials also rise to the occasion and perform at their best. Far too often key match ups have been decided by the blundering baffling calls of seemingly blind referees. Let this match up not be a victim of this travesty.

As I bid adieu for the night, I go to sleep with growing anticipation of what is in store for tomorrow. El Clasico. Who will make the difference? Who will rise to the occasion on the day? Messi has been on another universe. Cristiano needs to reach for the stars if he is to compete toe to toe with "The One."

Please guys, don't disappoint. History and destiny awaits!