Would Real Madrid's Best XI Beat Spain's National Team?

Real Madrid vs. Spain may be one of those football conversations that only crops up if you're willing to deal with beer, a Delorean, a decent level of confusion and perhaps going round in circles. On any other occasion, it might just be interesting to weigh up the heavyweights of international football against the best that country has to offer domestically.

Spain were incredible on the international stage this summer, toying with the football emotions of many with their mesmerising passing ability, while offering up an equally devastating and relentless attack when they were in the mood.

In La Liga, Real Madrid tore through the league season with incredible fury. Their nervy display at times also seemed to toy with the emotions of their nearest rivals, convincing them that this mighty juggernaut from the capital might soon run out of steam.

But throwing the two best from Spanish football together is an interesting way to look at the strengths of two football teams, who also share a number of qualities and personnel.

Starting with the attack because baby steps makes most sense at this stage. Cristiano Ronaldo is unquestionably the name that leaps forward above all others. His ability and numbers in front of goal have turned a very promising and talented group in Real Madrid into league champions, with the likelihood for much more.

His versatility as a player and his performances last season for Madrid were greatly superior to what Spain had on offer for their attacking role, whether that was Cesc Fabregas or any of the genuine strikers on their bench.

Many of Real Madrid's attacks go through Ronaldo, meaning there is a considerable increase in the pace of Madrid's attacks compared to that of Spain. With counterattacking as their primary weapon, the necessity for speed greatly suits the strengths of the Portuguese forward.

With Ronaldo alongside the other forwards at Madrid in Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, they have contributed to the most lethal and impressive display of attacking anywhere on the continent.

Any combination of Spanish attackers is unlikely to get close to the numbers Madrid's attacking trio reached last season, and although Spain might be equally or even more pleasing on the eye, the devastating combination of what's on offer at Madrid is likely to come out on top.

The midfield is where things start to become confusing with there being two Xabi Alonsos. On paper, the combination of Barcelona's dominant midfield three alongside Alonso and David Silva is unlikely to be rivalled anywhere in world football.

The Spanish midfield are able to shift across the pitch in various patterns and speeds, while holding onto the ball effortlessly. The success to their game is achieved by possession football, and their final score line of 1-0 or 5-0 is entirely dependent on what they want to do with the ball.

Meanwhile, Madrid's midfield consisting of Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso are much more inclined to move the ball up the field with pace and towards their attackers. Possession football is important, but the emphasis at Real Madrid is not as great as with Spain.

With the counterattacking threat and their ability in front of goal, it's always likely that Real Madrid will surpass the two-goal mark in a game. Rather than seeing a game out as Spain do, Madrid are more likely to end a game early with a demoralising lead over their opponents.

However, does this make Madrid's midfield better? It's probably only okay to answer that definitively if you're inclined to describe Spain as boring. As with most teams, the midfield is the engine room for Spain, and their pace and level of entertainment—because you know, that's what they are—is dictated by the midfield.

Both Real Madrid and Spain's midfield can be equally devastating, and both are equipped with the talent to win a game in the manner they choose.

As for the defence and goalkeepers, Iker Casillas has come out victorious against himself, so congratulations to him. But the back four does continue to make matters confusing.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos would line up for both teams, while Pepe and Marcelo would complete Real Madrid, and Pique and Jordi Alba fill in the rest for Spain.

Both defences play almost an identical game. Both push high up the field with central defenders capable of contributing to the attacking phase of the game. While on the left flank, both teams have hugely gifted full-backs with the pace and ability to play a role in their sides.

The two left full-backs operate similar games, whereby they contribute greatly to their side's attacks and work well with those ahead of them. On the other flank, Arbeloa has shown his limitations in attack but compensates with a steady and reliable approach in defence.

With the defence of each side cancelling each other out and the midfield possessing dynamics to counter the other, it really might be the attack which tips the scale in Madrid's favour.

Cristiano Ronaldo has again shown this summer that he can be a top performer on the biggest stage, helping Portugal to the final four in Euro 2012.

Ronaldo's goals last season also allowed him to be well ahead of any other player mentioned in this team comparison. And while this type of debate may only be needed if you're really adventurous, the former World Player of the Year is good enough to help any team overcome one of the greatest sides in modern football.