El Clasico 2012: Barcelona Carries Wealth of Momentum into Camp Nou

It seems a bit preposterous to think two teams coming off losses would feature one with positive momentum, but that is exactly what Barcelona has ahead of their Clasico with Real Madrid. 

Losses in the first leg of the Champions League semis are still fresh on the minds of players in both dressing rooms. 

There is no doubt that both sides would like to take away a positive result from this fixture headed into the second leg as well, making rest some far off sentiment that holds no real meaning. 

This is a huge weekend with far reaching implications for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, but it's the Catalans that can rest easy, and slip comfortably into a comfort zone at the Camp Nou clash. 

It's remarkable to think now, but Real Madrid once held a 10 point lead in La Liga, making any attempt at knocking them from their perch seem futile. 

Draws from Los Blancos combined with a surging Barcelona created a perfect storm that has Madrid front and center of a very precarious situation. 

The obvious notion is that Madrid cannot lose this fixture and every last player, fan and media analyst knows it. 

Entering Saturday's game, the general consensus is that Madrid will opt to hold pat and play a defensive game to counter the free-flowing style of the Catalans, but this is exactly why Barcelona's surge to within four points of the top matters. 

Los Blancos are forced to play to the Barcelona, and not the other way around. After chipping away on a seemingly insurmountable lead, Barcelona has nothing to lose on Saturday. 

They can control possession like we all assume they will, and attack with fearless desire, because they really shouldn't be in this situation. 

Combine the love of the home crowd, and you have one hell of a day in store for Madrid. 

There is no way you can stay back and play to a clean sheet, because holding Barcelona at bay is as futile as holding Real Madrid scoreless. 

If you are looking for a team playing well within their comfort zone, it will be Barcelona, a side that has nearly pulled off the improbable. 

Pressure and expectation rests with Real Madrid, and that will matter in the end. 

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