Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Madrid's Clasico Struggles Will Continue

Real Madrid's struggles against Barcelona in La Liga play will continue on Saturday when they lose to their Catalan rivals for the seventh time in the last eight league matches.

Madrid have done well against Barcelona in recent league matches but haven't been able to put together the great 90-minute performance needed in order to defeat Barca.

With a loss, Madrid would have just a one-point lead in the league table over Barcelona as the final weeks of the season unfold. The possibility of this scenario becoming reality will put a lot of pressure on Madrid to win this match.

Since both clubs lost their first legs of the semifinal in the Champions League this week, it will be interesting to see if Madrid manager Jose Mourinho or Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola rest anyone in Saturday's showdown.

With all the pride both clubs have, it's unlikely that any big stars will be rested, so if each club plays their best starting XI, Barcelona has the advantage.

Barca's attack, led by Lionel Messi, is too strong for Madrid's defense, which is weak at both wing back positions.

Barcelona usually dominates Madrid on the flanks with their exceptional speed, and if Dani Alves can win his matchup with Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao, then Barca will get great service into the box for scoring opportunities.

With a four-point edge in the league table, Madrid won't risk taking chances against Barcelona when they can still win the league even if their rivals defeat them Saturday.

Madrid's Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich is their top priority for the time being, and risking injuries against Barcelona wouldn't be the best strategy for them.

Since Madrid are a slightly inferior squad to Barcelona, have a decent lead in the table and are focused on their next match with Munich, expect Barca to win another El Clasico and put pressure on their rivals as the Spanish title race heats up.