Sitting on the third spot in the Spanish league, 4 points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid and 1 point behind Atletico Madrid, Barcelona are well aware of the importance of the upcoming El Clasico. Though the Catalans won the first feisty encounter in the Spanish calendar, they havenai??i??t been on the top of their form lately and will face tough competition at Santiago Bernabeu as they clash with Real Madrid to win 3 vitals points in this title chase.
Tata Martino led Barcelona got off to a flying start this season but lost their way after December. They dropped too many points as the club went through a crisis phase. However things have been looking up for them based on their recent performances. They managed to hold off a strong Manchester City side and then thrashed Osasuna to get back to their winning ways. The question that remains however is whether Martino can outsmart Carlo Ancelotti as the two managers go head on in the El Clasico this Sunday.
The Hard Tackle lists three things Tata Martino must do to ensure Barcelona return to the Camp Nou with 3 crucial points in their kitty.
1)Make Messi and Neymar Click
Neymar too must be at his best to ensure he makes an impact in the game on Sunday. He scored in his very first El Clasico and was a nightmare for Carvajal on the left flank. Though he has suffered a slump since his early days with the Catalans, Neymar must get back to being his usual fearless and dazzling best if Barcelona are to win at Bernabeu.
2)Cut off Real Madridai??i??s Life Support
The reason behind Real Madridai??i??s success this season rests solely with Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric. Yes Ronaldo has been brilliant this season too, as he was the previous years, Alonso and Modric are the architect behind Realai??i??s new style of football. Their visionary and accurate passing has opened up several oppositions and if Barcelona are to keep Real Madrid in check then they will have to make sure that these 2 do not control the pace of the game.
Alonso has been phenomenal for Real Madrid this season. He has been defensively astute, making crucial interceptions and has linked the defence well with the attack. His effective passing and intelligent distribution of the ball has created acres of space for Ronaldo and Bale to act upon. Similarly Modric has led Real Madridai??i??s attack from the centre of the park with his intelligent runs. Not afraid to take on defenders, he has been instrumental in linking Madridai??i??s attack and giving it a proper shape. Tata Martino will have to make sure that these two midfielders are quicly closed down upon and are not given any space to work with the ball otherwise Barcelona will be spending most of the game on the back-foot.
3)Expose Real Madrid On The Wings
Real Madrid is likely to start with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the wings assisted by Marcelo and Caravajal at the back. This means that the Whites will be very strong while attacking but will be left vulnerable as both Carvajal and Marcelo don not provide the best of covers for the team. Ronaldo never falls back and is always lurking, looking for the ball to attack the opposition with. Which means that Dani Alves will have to be at his best to negate the Portuguese winger. Also Barcelona will have to be quick to expose the gap that will be left behind Ronaldo and should play Neymar on the right to exploit this space. Marcelo though very threatening while on the attack is not the best of defenders and Barcelona will be wise to make use of this space by deploying Neymar. Similarly Alexis Sanchez or Pedro should be employed on the left wing to expoilt the absence of Gareth Bale. Carvajal had a tough time dealing with Neymar earlier this season and is extremely rash while defending, especially when it comes to going into tackles. If Barcelona are to unlock Real Madridai??i??s defence, they will have to do it on the wings with pace and skill.
Barcelona have a real test on their hands as they prepare for the El Clasico. With the title to play for, they enter Santiago Bernabue knowing very well that they are not the favourites to win the tie. Maybe that will enable Barcelona to play their natural game, which might just do the trick and tilt the game in their favour.
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