Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Breaking Down Guaranteed Classic at Camp Nou

It's enough to make you feel a little guilty, but football fans are in store for yet another classic clash of Spanish titans when Real Madrid takes on Barcelona at the Camp Nou. 

There is enough intrigue to keep even the most fair weather of fans vested into this Saturday match. As you will see, it's not just about La Liga glory, but momentum heading into more pressing matters for both clubs. 

Here is a breakdown of the most important story lines hitting a Classico that hardly needs them, because it's always a treat when these two get together. 

La Liga

It's sink or swim time for Real Madrid who could very well cough up the La Liga cushion they worked so hard to build. 

They are four points ahead of the Catalans side, but enter the realm of 'epic choke job' if they fail to get a result on Saturday. 

Los Blancos don't have an extremely treacherous schedule after El Clasico, closing out against Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, Granda and Mallorca. Draw could be in the mix late so they have to come away with points. 

Otherwise, Barcelona will have momentum on their side, and that may be enough to take domestic glory. 

Champions League

It's no rest for the weary, or teams looking for the all-important hardware at the end of the season. After tortuous results in the first leg of the semifinals for both teams, getting some positivity back into the locker room is paramount. 

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo

There is no debate as to their talents, and arguing over who is better can mirror a debate over how one likes their coffee. It's a ridiculous notion because they are both brilliant in their own right. 

That won't stop the masses from claiming one over the other after this potential final clash of the season. 

If either fails to move onto the Champions League, this will be one of the last chances to see the two maestros work against one another. 

Messi has 63 goals and Ronaldo 57 on the year. Both are amazing feats that deserve celebration. The two are tied, however, in La Liga goals at 41, and whoever takes the lead in that race may determine the winner here. 

Clasico

This all depends on which teams come out of the locker room. We saw that Real Madrid can look pedestrian at times when they sit back and defend. 

Such things are necessary when you play Barcelona, but I like a consistent attack from Real Madrid throughout. 

If Madrid can somehow control possession from the stingy Barcelona side, an away complement of point may be in store. 

This is a razor thing fixture that I see ending in a draw, 2-2. 

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