Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona: What to Expect in the 2nd Leg

A controversial 2-2 was the outcome of a vibrant game between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, but what will we see on Wednesday? The second leg will prove to be very different than the first, but it is my belief that it won't be less thrilling. 

Real Madrid will have to go for it all, but what should we expect from Barcelona?

Both Teams Will Score

With names like Ronaldo, Messi, Ozil and Villa, it is hard to imagine that both keepers will have an easy night. Real Madrid is now obligated to go for a goal, so their upfield pressure will be incessant. Barcelona's d-line showed some signs of weakness when under a huge pressure, and one small mistake can be lethal to the Catalans.

This pressure however, is a bet and a very risky one for two reasons. First, if there is one team that can avoid giving in to the pressure, it is Barcelona. If one player fails to do his job correctly, Los Merengues will be chasing Barcelona for several exhausting minutes. Second, as time goes by, Madrid will get more and more desperate and push further. This will create spaces between lines that, if used by Barcelona, can kill Madrid.

Its really important for Madrid to score before the first half. They are looking for only one goal, but the pressure will cease to be as demanding for Barcelona in the second half.

Barcelona can elaborate its game all day. Madrid won't endure the whole 90 minutes.

Goals are assured. The question seems to be how many?

Barcelona Will Start Its Best Team

Pep Guardiola seemed confident about the depth of his roster, but he almost paid the price for it. The absences of Pique, Busquets, Pedro and Xavi could've cost him the cup. Guardiola tried to give Alcantara and Sanchez a confidence boost, but he will have to bench them and start his A team.

Xavi obviously conducts Barcelona's game and is Iniesta's only partner at the moment. Alcantara is a great player, but he needs more time with the first-team players.

Busquets will have to employ his talents to stop Ozil's ongoing thrusts, a situation that Keita could not handle. He has better offensive projection than defensive talent. Busquets' methods are questionable, but he is efficient. 

Pedro seems to be a better choice than a Alexis Sanchez, who was participative but not totally synchronized with his teammates. 

Pique has the question mark on his head. His form seems to be in a slump after giving poor performances against Italy and the first leg of this Supercup. It is essential that he gains back his form because Mascherano and Abidal had lots of trouble as centre-backs. One of these two will repeat, but hopefully Pique's leadership can serve as an example for whoever accompanies him.

Guardiola can afford starting La Liga with some absences, but he can't afford using subs to face the nemesis.

Fabregas Will Play

Lots of people (including me) are fed up with him because of all the drama involving his transfer, but truth is, the world can't wait to see him play with the Barcelona jersey. This will probably be Guardiola's only experiment. If Barcelona is winning, his entrance will be the frosting on the cake. If Barcelona needs a goal, Fabregas will come in hoping to score it.

His entrance will certainly be something special: millions of eyes watching every move he makes. The wait is too suffocating for Guardiola and every Barcelona fan on Earth.

At Least One Red Card Will Appear

You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. This rivalry has stepped up to another level. The hatred towards the other team has grown since both teams have displayed magnificent football.

Whoever designates the referees for this match will think twice about choosing a lenient ref like the last one. The game was out of control for this man. A stricter one will be placed and cards are going to appear everywhere.

All eyes are on Pepe, Alves, Mourinho and Busquets, but watch out for guys like Carvalho, Mascherano and Ramos. The final minutes will be violent regardless of the score. Drama, fights, red cards—they are each time more often in El Clásico.

Mourinho Will Make a Scene

He argues, he steps into the field, he decides not to go to press conferences, he is manipulative, arrogant etc. Mourinho seems to be an evil genius, and we can't avoid watching and arguing everything he does. We know he is going to do something, and we wait anxiously for that action that will unleash a never-ending debate.

Wednesday will be no different.

It might be before, during or after the game, but this man is up to something. 

Conclusion

This will certainly be an exciting match, but I hope that more happens inside the pitch than out of it. My prediction is that Barcelona will win 3-1, but it's a very tough match to predict.

Feel free to put your predictions in the comment section. Thanks for reading.