El Clasico: Barca wants Madrid top spot

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

The El Clasico is one of the matches that many look forward to in the La Liga schedule. Barcelona will go into this game in full confidence after beating Inter Milan 2-0 in the Champions League. The Catalan club did not even have Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Leo Messi in their starting lineup. The duos are set to return against Real Madrid. Manager Josep Guardiola will have to see whether both Pique and Pedro can shrug off their knocks sustained from the Inter Milan game. Eric Abidal, still quarantine after contracting swine flu, has signed a year extension to his current contract.

Real Madrid could have Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench as they travel to the Catalan countryside on Sunday evening. The Fifa world player of the year has missed 10 games due to an ankle injury but Real Madrid have well done as they sits firmly at the top of the La Liga with a point in front of Barcelona. Many will say that Madrid have not played their best but it is the result that counts and that has been one of the highlights going into the El Clasico. Real Madrid beat Zurich 1-0 in the midweek Champions League tie.

With so many international superstars from both teams, the El Clasico will make headlines around Europe as it is usually an indication where the La Liga title will end up. Barcelona will have to find out which team will turn up against Madrid, the reigning champion or the team that drew against Bilbao last weekend. Madrid have not played well in the past but still wins games and that might be a sign of an upcoming champion in Spain. Barcelona did the double over Real Madrid last season.

Atletico Madrid vs. Espanyol

The other Madrid club is struggling and they are finding this season harder than ever after last season’s top placing. They are currently third last in the La Liga with seven points which is hard to believe when you consider how many good players they have in their squad. Their 1-1 away against APOEL in the Champions League has given them some hope of retaining European football next season only if they win their last Champions League game. Now back to the daily life, the rojblanco only victory this season came in front of their home fans so a win is overdue for them. The match against Espanyol is a good chance for them to get their season back on track.

Espanyol are having a dip of form at the moment. They have lost 2 consecutive games in a roll with the recent 2-0 home defeat to Getafe last weekend. Even with the return of veteran striker, Tamudo, Espanyol are unable to find their previous form where they went 7 games unbeaten before the defeats creep in. It is also likely that the lost of midfielder and Captain Ivan De La Pena, which has impacted their form and their midfield strategy. He is ruled doubtful to return for the trip to Madrid.

Not many people could have predicted that Atletico Madrid would be in the position they are in. Their lack of concentration and focus are one of the areas that has let them done but more importantly their defending is totally abysmal week after week. A draw would not suit the A. Madrid of the past, but with the situation they are in, a draw could be the first thing they would want.

Valencia vs. Mallorca

If you consider the Valencia players like David Silva, David Villa, Pablo and Juan Mata playing at the highest level week in and week out, then there will be no doubt those three points every weekend is expected from them. This is a team that can play under pressure and under turmoil when the club is in a heavy financial debt. Their recent away 3-1 win over Osasuna illustrated that they are a club with potential and they won’t let their financial backers down when bailing them out of crisis. Valencia coach Unai Emer has done well, losing only once out of 12 matches.

Mallorca are steadily pacing them in the La Liga as they berth the league in 6th place. Their good run is due to their home record, they have managed to win six home consecutive matches earning the top spot. Although, they might be a great home team, they are certainly uncomfortable away from home. Manager Gregorio Manzano has seen his side drawn twice and loses three times away from Mallorca and that’s something he desperately wants to change against Valencia.

A stalemate would be a good enough result for Mallorca considering their away form but Valencia will contest that. Valencia are favorites to beat Mallorca and they are undefeated at home too. It will certainly be a top game and only one will come out winning, Valencia who is looking to stretch their win to five matches.