The momentum, the firing of Bernd Schuster and the signing of Juande Ramos, where both teams came off, the injuries and all that has been said during the week.
None of this will matter tonight, when Leo Messi and FC Barcelona takes on Iker Casillas and Real Madrid. Above this, the battle will be a matchup between eleven players, wearing Real and Barcelona jerseys.
Anything can happen.
Arguably, the game should be an easy one for Barcelona. They have had easy "W" over tough teams such as Valencia and Sevilla, while Real have struggled in previous weeks.
Pep Guardiola’s team is the new version of "the greatest show on turf". A game based on excellence, with Xavi leading the midfield, Leo Messi getting the job done on the wing, and Samuel Eto’o hitting the goal in almost each shot.
The FC Barcelona is not only a high powered offense, but a reliable defense too. Ultimately, a well coached team, with all the players and the staff in the same page.
The best game played in the entire world of football.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is in chaos. The poor building of the team, with no wing players and without a reliable bench, and the injuries are killing the team. Real has problems building the game, because of the weakness of its midfield. Also, the defense is collapsing every day, and surprisingly, Iker Casillas is playing under his level.
As the tiny Real Union showed in the Spanish Cup, any team can damage them. The signing of Juande Ramos is expected to bring some tactical order and work ethic, but I have several doubts on the team’s talent and attitude.
There are many keys to analyze tonight’s game. In my opinion, for FC Barcelona the key will be allowing things to happen. I mean, they have to execute their game plan. Having the ball, and deliver it to the playmakers.
The most interesting and important matchup will take place on the right wing, where Sergio Ramos will try to hold off Leo Messi. If Ramos is able to win the battle, the victory for Real will be nearer.
Real also has to stop the rhythm of the game, pressuring Xavi, making his job harder. Defensively, and it’s not a secret, Real will have to take special care of Eto’o and hot Thierry Henry. The main factor for the Real Madrid will be hanging on to the game. Predictably, FC Barcelona is going to go for the game as a hurricane.
If Real is able to stop them during the first thirty minutes, the grind of the game will multiply Madrid’s chances.
Forget where both teams came off; forget Bernd Schuster's words; forget the injuries; forget almost everything, and get out of your mind an easy victory for FC Barcelona.
The greatest rivalry game in the world has to write his own history, and this history will take place tonight at Camp Nou at 10 p.m. local time.
Anything can happen.
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