Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: 10 Bold Predictions for Champions League Second Leg
It's been a wild April in the soccer world, with Real Madrid and Barcelona facing off in three increasingly heated matches. Unfortunately, we've seen more hacking, flopping, whining and cursing than excitement, and I for one am ready for some football.
Fortunately, Tuesday's clash in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals has the potential to be just that; a match that's full of heart-pounding action from start to finish, and honors the great rivalry between two storied clubs.
In no particular order, here are 10 predictions for the final Clásico of the season.
1. Barcelona Will Win
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The Camp Nou will be absolutely electric for a Champions League Clásico, and FC Barcelona will not disappoint. Led by captain Puyol, La Blaugrana will play with confidence, class, and a bit of swagger.
Needing only to defend a 2-0 lead, Pep Guardiola will have his men geared up and going for goal. Barcelona will win the match, the tie and advance to Wembley.
2. Real Madrid Will Attack
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This may be the boldest of these predictions: Real Madrid will actually try to score some goals against Barcelona. Needing two to force overtime, Los Blancos have no choice but to come out and attack the goal of Victor Valdés.
Not only will we see more of the brilliant footballers in Madrid’s squad, we’ll also see a team playing with nothing to lose, and eager to show how dangerous they can be when given the chance.
3. Barcelona Will Play Like Men
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After all the talk about Barcelona’s unsportsmanlike conduct in last week’s clash, La Blaugrana will look to prove themselves to be more than a bunch of sissies.
Without the presence of Pepe, and with a more freewheeling Madrid, Barcelona won’t be subjected to quite the physical attack as in rounds one, two and three. This will mean they worry less about calls going their way, and more about rewarding their faithful with some goals.
4. Madrid Will Finish with 11
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For the first time this year, Real Madrid will get through a match against Barcelona with all 11 men on the pitch. Not only will the referee be hesitant to reach for red, Real Madrid’s intent will be to play football, so we’ll see a cleaner game.
With both Pepe and Sergio Ramos suspended, the two players most likely to produce bookable offenses will be out of the picture.
5. Lionel Messi Will Score
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This isn’t an overly bold prediction, but I say Leo Messi keeps up his ridiculous season with Champions League goal number 12.
We know he’ll start, chances are good he’ll go a full 90 minutes, and Barcelona’s attack undoubtedly will be built around his presence in the middle. It would be bolder, really, to say that he won’t score.
6. Kaká Will Start
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This is a bit bolder, but I say Jose gives Kaká the start he deserves against Barcelona. Kaká has played very well lately, and after a rough knee injury, he's starting to look incredibly dangerous on the ball.
If Real Madrid is to have any shot of pulling off this upset, they’ll need Kaká tearing up midfield and picking out the runs of Ronaldo and Di Maria.
7. Barcelona’s Lineup Will Be the Same
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Pep's lineup will be identical to last week. Iniesta is available, but I think Keita will again start in his place (although Guardiola may very well prove me wrong).
Here are the 11: Valdés in goal, with Piqué and Mascherano in central defense. Dani Alves on the right wing, Carles Puyol on the left. Xavi, Busquets and Keita in the middle. Pedro, Messi, and Villa up top.
8. Mou Will Show Us the Money
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After benching mega-money signings like Kaká in favor of defensive brutes, Jose Mourinho will finally show us what 500 million euros can buy you:
Casillas in goal, with Arbeloa, Carvalho, Albiol and Marcelo on the back line. Xabi Alonso, Lass and Mesut Ozil in the middle, with Ronaldo, Di Maria and Kaká up top.
Other likely starters: Granero, Adebayor and Karim Benzema.
9. Hatchets Will Be Buried
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The last three clásicos have posed a legitimate threat to the cohesiveness of Spain’s national team. Tuesday’s match will go a long way towards rebuilding camaraderie between some of Spain’s key players.
Arbeloa and Villa will have another night together, and can repair a relationship that has looked a bit frayed recently. Similarly, Xabi Alonso in midfield can rub shoulders with colleagues Xavi and Iniesta, for a full match of proper football.
Hopefully, 90 minutes of football—plus a definitive passage to the next round by Barcelona—will see tensions reside, and world-cup winning teammates come together.
10. Spanish Football Will Be Honored
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The best result for both clubs is a match worth watching. Spanish football should be a thing of beauty, especially when played by two sides stocked with superb talent. The last three clásicos (with the exception of passages of the cup final) have been ugly at best.
What Real Madrid, Barcelona and Spain need on this night is the sport to be honored with an exciting match.
I think we’ll see intricate passing, attacking moves that stretch from wing to wing, and goals.
Hopefully, as the better side advances to the Champions League final, fans all over will be reminded why this is the best rivalry in sport.
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