Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Early Read on El Clasico Battle in Spain Next Season
The 2011-12 season almost felt like one giant, memorable showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Neither won the UEFA Champions League, but both dominated the spotlight throughout the season, both at home and abroad.
Real took the La Liga title and Barcelona won the Copa del Rey, meaning each team went on holiday with a major title.
Neither, however, will be satisfied.
So what about the upcoming season? Read on for the early rundown on the latest edition of Spain's fiercest rivalry.
New Barca Manager: Tito Vilanova
1 of 5At the end of last season, Pep Guardiola stepped aside after four glorious years as Barcelona's manager. Under Guariola's guidance, Barca won three league titles, two Copa del Reys and two Champions League crowns (among other trophies).
Now it's Tito Vilanova's turn.
Vilanova, 42, was Guardiola's top assistant, so he will be expected to continue Guardiola's pass-happy playing style at the Camp Nou.
Will Vilanova have the same success as Guardiola? We'll find out fast.
New Barca Signing: Jordi Alba
2 of 5Jordi Alba made himself a household name with his performances for Spain at Euro 2012. He's now set for the big-time after moving to Barcelona from Valencia.
According to BBC Sport, Alba signed a five-year deal, with Barcelona paying Valencia £11.2 million for the transfer.
Alba, 23, spent part of his youth career with Barcelona before turning pro with Cornelia in 2007. He can play either as a left-back or wide midfielder.
Real Rumors
3 of 5The summer hasn't been quite as eventful for Real Madrid—not yet, at least.
Superstar Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho is still around, as is superstar Portuguese midfielder/forward Cristiano Ronaldo. With those two in the frame, Real will always be a threat.
Of course, it's not like Real to let an entire summer pass without a big move. True to form, Los Blancos have been linked with at least two big names so far.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric (per the Daily Mail) has drawn interest at the Santiago Bernabeu after impressing with Croatia at Euro 2012. Modric has long been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane, but he could be convinced to stay by new manager Andre Villas-Boas, a former Mourinho disciple.
Manchester City midfielder/forward David Silva, who scored twice and set up three more goals for Spain at Euro 2012, is also believed to be of interest at the Bernabeu. City have reportedly placed an £80 million price tag on Silva (per the Daily Mirror).
Preseason Friendlies
4 of 5Both teams have big preseason friendlies scheduled.
Real Madrid will face AC Milan at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 8.
Barcelona will play Paris Saint-Germain on Aug. 4 in Paris as part of the inaugural Trophee de Paris.
Also, Barca will face Manchester United in a friendly in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Aug. 8.
Early Read
5 of 5The teams are still evenly matched, even after Barcelona's acquisition of Jordi Alba.
Real Madrid haven't made a big signing yet, but there's still time. Besides, the squad was strong enough to win La Liga last season.
For now, the slight edge must go to Real, for the simple reason that Tito Vilanova is unproven as a manager. Barcelona still have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi, and their possession game is legendary.
Even so, Real won the league last season, and at least until the first Clasico of the new season, Jose Mourinho's men will be the team to beat in Spain.
