Quarter-finals – Real-ly impossible
By David, BettingExpert.com | Published
After the umpteenth defeat for Mourinho against Barcelona, extending a negative streak which stretches from before the Portuguese manager took charge in Madrid, the question will be asked one more time this week. Can Real Madrid ever manage to beat Barcelona and get some satisfaction, finally?
Mallorca – Athletic Bilbao
Athletic looked like being able to land a shocker on Sunday at the Bernabeu but ultimately the difference in class emerged. Just as it did for Mallorca when they visited Vallecano. It was a tough match for the islanders but they got the three points. Life has not been smiling upon Caparros’ side as that was only the first victory in the last four Liga matches.
Their last home win was in the cup against Real Sociedad. An emphatic 6-1 victory. However, that was only a sole victory over a stretch of thirteen games, home and away in all competitions. It is safe to say they have not turned up their home form this season and that is what usually helps them fend off relegation troubles. There is another one lined up at Espanyol next Saturday so Caparros, who knows very well how much they take at heart the cup in Bilbao, may opt for giving up chasing the 2-0 first leg scoreline.
Bielsa has himself admitted he has recognized that fans expect the team to perform well in the Copa del Rey. With a potential semifinal lined up against Espanyol, or if they are lucky third division Mirandes, it looks like a great chance for them to make it all the way to the final.
Verdict: Athletic Bilbao +0.25
Athletic will qualify. There a few doubts related to that. After the 2-0 registered in the first leg, however, there can be doubts as to the commitments of Mallorca. Will they try to go for an ‘easy’ semifinal fixture and thus for the final or will they just give up seeing they may be sucked back into the relegation battle should they waste energies on this game rather than the Liga? I will go for Athletic not being too distracted as to allow Mallorca to raise their hopes for passing this round. Hopefully they won’t lose by a goal.
Barcelona – Real Madrid
After last week it is now thirteen clashes in all competitions without a win for the Blancos. The two Spanish giants have never met each other so much in such a short span of time. Unfortunately for Real Madrid that is because they are so far from Barcelona’s level at the moment.
Guardiola has only lost one game against Real Madrid and that was in extra time so it will not really count for a loss. It was this same competition and a time when Real Madrid needed to get their hopes up before facing the Blaugrana in the Champions League. They went on to lose qualification to the final in Europe and then lost the double-legged Super Cup final in August too. The Bernabeu clash in la Liga was also another unsurprising defeat. 1-3 for Guardiola and Mourinho is now again in doubt for next season.
Real Madrid have sacked Capello despite winning the title in Spain. It may happen to Mourinho but only if he decides to resign. Sacking him would cost millions and not even a club like Real Madrid would be able to take such a financial blow. They could get Neymar with that kind of money instead.
The strategy adopted by the Portuguese manager was placed into question by the players themselves. The fans did not like it either and in the end the pitch said it was not effective. Mourinho was looking to rest a few of his men as he does know that any kind of slip up in the league will not be forgiven by Barcelona. A five-point lead is nothing special against what is the best football side in the World. Then there is still the clash at the Nou Camp to take in consideration. He cannot be blamed for snubbing the cup, although he did try to at least hold Barcelona at bay. The fans and the players knew that was not really possible and will no demand a more attacking approach. He should give them that, secretly hoping that everyone learns it will only turn badly for them. This is a cup game and he can risk losing the chance to confirm himself the Copa winner. It shines much less brightly than the Liga and Champions League trophies in Guardiola’s showcase.
Verdict: Over 2.5
Every time Barcelona have turned up their game against Real Madrid proving that they can go on and lose against Getafe or drop points against the likes of Real Sociedad, Bilbao and Espanyol only if not in the mood. That is not a risk when they play their hated rivals, to whom they leave only an opportunity to lose with dignity which, however, Real Madrid relentlessly give their cold shoulder to every time preferring to stubbornly stamp their feet childly instead …sometimes on the opponent’s hand.
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