Three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona

For the first time in years, there is a genuine buzz around El Clasico. The game that once represented the pinnacle of world football began its downward spiral three years ago.

The damage only got worse with the departure of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos who were two of the biggest legends of the historic rivalry.

While Real Madrid continued their impressive journey to the top of European football, Barcelona seemed to be down and out at the time of the last Clasico. However, things have changed with Xavi’s arrival.

Barcelona have made a visible improvement in the last two months and are in a very good place both mentally and in terms of results. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are still in the utopia of their incredible Champions League come-back last week.

1. A search for validation

The last time the two Spanish giants faced off was in the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year. The game ended in a 3-2 win for Los Blancos, but what caught the eye was the reaction that followed.

Instead of being distraught at the result, there was a sense of optimism and excitement around the brand of football played by Xavi’s side. Players and fans both came out to support the popular notion that the Catalans were on the right track.

Though the pride in defeat was mocked by Real Madrid fans, there was a lot of truth in the claims.

Barcelona lost their next game to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey. However, they have not lost a single game since. In their last eleven games, the team have won eight and drawn the rest. In the process, they caught a train of momentum that could see them better their arch-rivals too.

Come Sunday, Barcelona’s biggest aim will be to convert their ‘moral victory’ into a win on paper. Three points against a rampant Real Madrid side would be the best possible way for the Blaugranes to announce their return to the big stage.

El Clasico can be seen as a Champions League level clash in a season where the club are deprived of it, and to win would mean they deserve to be compared with the best in the world.

2. No Benzema, more problems?

If one were to talk about the best players in the world right now, it would be absurd to omit Karim Benzema from the discussion. The Frenchman has been at a different level since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid.

The world witnessed his class last week when he single-handedly fabricated an unreal comeback for his team in the Champions League. When all hope seemed lost, the French striker scored a second-half hat-trick and put his side into the quarter-finals of the European competition.

Soon after, he scored two goals and got an assist during Real Madrid’s clash against Mallorca at the weekend. However, he suffered an injury in the same game and has not been included in Real Madrid’s squad.

Considering that the Madrid outfit have two key games against Chelsea coming up, it is not surprising to see Benzema not being risked.

Benzema’s unavailability will determine a large part of the result at the Bernabeu. With him, Real Madrid’s attack looks dangerously potentiated. On the other hand, his absence would be a big boost for Xavi’s team as it gives them better chances of pulling off an upset.

3. The legendary midfield battle

When it comes to the best young midfielders in the world, Barcelona have a gold mine of talents. Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi represent a new generation of players whose ceiling is incredibly high.

Over the past few weeks, their synergy and coordination has grown leaps and bounds. Alongside Sergio Busquets, they have dominated the midfield in every game for Barcelona.

However, they go up against some of the most experienced players in the business on Sunday. The last time the two teams met, Barcelona’s youngsters faced some difficulty in overcoming the combination of Luke Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro.

The Clasico will be won or lost in the middle of the park. If Barcelona’s youthful, dynamic prodigies manage to overwhelm Los Blancos‘ veteran midfield, their chances of walking away with three points multiply manifold. Nevertheless, it will be a battle for the ages when they face off tomorrow.