The first El Clasico of the season is perhaps one of the most eagerly awaited clashes between Barcelona and Real Madrid for years. Both are in superb form and in what promises to be an exciting and evenly matched contest, the difference between the two might end up being which side prevails in some of the individual battles that will take place across the pitch.
While the focus has undoubtedly been on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, widely considered as the two best players in the world, who can stamp their influence on the match, Inside Futbol take a look at a few of the key duels that could end up deciding one of the most anticipated fixtures in the game:
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Daniel Alves
This has the makings of an exciting battle as Ronaldo, who is the form of his life, takes on one of the world’s best right backs. Ronaldo is scoring for fun at the moment with 14 La Liga goals and 18 in all competitions and the Portuguese star is back to his explosive best after a forgettable World Cup. Alves loves to get up the pitch, but faced with defending against a player as skilful and as fast as Ronaldo, may end up nullifying his offensive forays and the Brazilian may have to focus more on his defensive duties. Alves is capable of shutting down many of the attackers he faces, but Los Blancos have the advantage in this area of the pitch such is the form of Ronaldo at the moment.
Battle winner: Cristiano Ronaldo; advantage Real Madrid
Marcelo vs Pedro
In a duel of two young-guns, Barcelona’s Pedro takes on Real’s left-back Marcelo. Both players have plenty of pace and Pedro loves to make driving runs from his position on the right. Real Madrid’s improvement in general this season has meant that Marcelo can focus more on defending rather than having to always make runs up the field. Whereas he had four goals and nine assists last season, the Brazilian has none of either this year, even though his defensive work has arguably been more important than ever. If Marcelo stays “at home” more then that could prevent the high-scoring Pedro from creating the havoc he usually does.
Battle winner: Draw
Xabi Alonso vs Xavi
While not necessarily two players who will face each other directly on the pitch, the two men in question will be fighting to gain possession. This match-up could end up being the most important of El Clasico as it features the two men who set the tempo for their respective sides. Barca’s Xavi is the maestro of his club’s possession centred tiki-taka football. His vision in picking out the killer pass or his patience to await openings by never losing the ball are the attributes that make the midfielder dangerous. Xabi Alonso may not have the ball control of his countryman; however, he is a calming influence for his side and also a better ball-winner in midfield. Alonso’s dead-ball expertise is another speciality and he is superb at getting the ball to the men who can score goals for Real Madrid.
Battle winner: Xavi; advantage Barcelona
Mesut Ozil vs Andres Iniesta
Two fine playmakers will be on display in this massive clash at the Camp Nou. Iniesta, scorer of the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, is Barcelona’s man in the hole, a player whose fantastic dribbling, passing and nose for goal make him a dangerous player for any defence. Ozil meanwhile has adapted extremely well to his move to the Bernabeu and has figured prominently in his side’s fantastic start to the season. Both of these players are wonderful technicians and the epitome of the modern footballer, as even though they are attacking midfielders, both will do their share of running and defending.
Battle winner: Draw
Ricardo Carvalho vs Lionel Messi
20 goals in all competitions less than halfway through the season suggests that Lionel Messi is unstoppable no matter who he faces. If there is one defender who can put a stop to Messi though it may be Carvalho. Back with his preferred coach, the Portuguese centre back has shored up a Real backline that has been shaky in recent seasons, especially against the better teams in Spain and Europe. Carvalho may not necessarily take on Messi one-on-one, but he will be responsible in keeping the lid on the Argentine’s continual genius. With Messi operating in a more central role and with the ability to roam as he pleases, these two players may come into contact more often than not. Carvalho is arguably the best in the world at the moment in his position, but even that won’t be enough to stop Messi if he continues his amazing form.
Battle winner: Lionel Messi; advantage Barcelona
Angel di Maria vs Eric Abidal
While the likes of Maxwell or even Adriano may be selected instead of the Frenchman Abidal, the rumour is that Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola wants Abidal to put the shackles on Di Maria. The flying Argentine winger has perhaps been Los Blancos’ best signing of the summer, offering a counterbalance to Ronaldo on the flanks and managing to produce great performances, full of goals and assists. Di Maria’s pace and trickery have been difficult to contain for La Liga full-backs this season and Abidal will have done well if he is able to keep the former Benfica man at bay.
Battle winner: Angel di Maria; advantage Real Madrid
Sami Khedira vs Sergio Busquets
If Ozil and Iniesta are the modern-day complete attacking midfielders then Khedira and Busquets represent the era’s best defensive midfielders. These two offer the graft and steel that each team requires in midfield in order to win possession and begin their attacks. But far from being two mere ball-winners, Khedira and Busquets have no shortage of skill and fit in seamlessly to two teams full of talent and technique. This is a fascinating match-up that while underrated could figure prominently in El Clasico.
Battle winner: Draw
Gonzalo Higuain vs Gerard Pique
This has the makings of a classic centre forward-centre back battle. Argentina international Higuain is a prolific scorer who is capable of the sublime and the scrappy. He plays the role of lone frontman to great effect, though arguably is even more dangerous with a striking partner. Pique on the other hand is a hugely important player for Barcelona, not only for his defensive solidity, but also for his distribution from the back which begins many of the team’s attacks. He also demonstrates an iron will, and will not look to give any ground to his opponent.
Battle winner: Gerard Pique; advantage Barcelona
Sergio Ramos vs David Villa
Another intriguing one-on-one between two key members of the Spanish national team. Villa was signed to offer Barcelona that deadly touch in front of goal and the former Valencia man has not disappointed thus far. He has the speed and explosiveness that Zlatan Ibrahimovic lacked and looks to have filled the void left by the departure of Samuel Eto’o. Ramos meanwhile, is consistently mentioned as one of the world’s best defenders and combines impressive stamina with good tackling and a desire to push forward. Ramos is more of a physical presence, while Villa may lack the equivalent physique, but will counter with his speed and knack for being at the right place at the right time.
Battle winner: Draw
Iker Casillas vs Victor Valdes
The two goalkeepers may draw the ire of neutral fans if they keep the goals out during El Clasico, but such has been their excellence in years’ past each are capable of a match winning display. Casillas is considered by many observers to be the world’s best goalkeeper and has proven his worth for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team over the course of his success-laden career. Valdes endured a rocky start at Barcelona, however he has developed into a stabilising influence at the back and if not for Casillas would have considerably more international caps to his name. Camp Nou fans will back him to the hilt, confident he can match Real Madrid’s number 1 in every department.
Battle winner: Iker Casillas; slight advantage Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola
"The Special One" returns to the Camp Nou as part of the enemy and as Mourinho has said himself he will be "persona non grata" when El Clasico kicks off. Mourinho has enjoyed success against Barcelona in Europe both with Inter Milan and Chelsea, and though his tactics against Barcelona in the past have been described as negative, they have been effective. Nonetheless, the Portuguese manager has proven himself to be one of best of his time, tasting success wherever he has slipped into the dugout.
Guardiola is a different kettle of fish to Mourinho as he prefers to stay out of the limelight. Though the former Barcelona player and B team manager has experienced a fabulous start to his reign with Catalan giants, his critics argue that the Catalan has been gifted a supremely talented squad. However, a Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup in the 2008/09 season, plus last season’s title suggest he is the equal of Mourinho. Guardiola has also earned credit for managing a team that produces such attractive football.
Battle winner: Draw
Read our Barcelona v Real Madrid Match Preview for even more El Clasico coverage
