Barcelona are ahead of one of the most decisive Clasicos in recent history. If the Blaugranas managed to defeat Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, they would come back to the Catalan capital with an almost definitive 14-point gap over Los Blancos.
Barca fans are hugely optimistic ahead of the game, as our recent poll @TheBarcelonaPod clearly exemplifies:
Who will win El Clasico? ???? Unmissable preview now live at https://t.co/RLrcYCU86g— Francesc????TheBarcelonaPod (@TheBarcelonaPod) December 21, 2017
Ernesto Valverde is fully aware of the importance of the clash, not just because of the points at stake but also the potential psychological blow a victory over their eternal rivals would generate: “We have to be alert to any situation because the smallest detail in these types of games can swing it in your favour. Therefore, we must be very attentive to all aspects. We are excited about this match, we come into it at a good time and we are ready to face it. Madrid are a very powerful team in their own stadium, have very quick players, and when it seems that you’re playing well and dominating, they can hit you with very fast counterattacks.”
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane didn’t downplay the importance of the game either: “It will be the most difficult game of the season. Clásico’s are always very beautiful but very difficult matches, but that’s how we like it. The players live for these games. Whatever happens, we will continue working because the season is very long and these are just three more points. We know the importance of playing well and trying to win but it won’t change anything.”
No Dembele for El Clasico, which makes perfect sense. Roll on 2018!! pic.twitter.com/iSzZhxSYj7— Francesc????TheBarcelonaPod (@TheBarcelonaPod) December 22, 2017
Valverde decided to leave record-signing Ousmane Dembele out of his match squad. While the French international hasn’t played an official game since picking up a muscular injury in early September, a conisderable number of Cules were expectation Dembele to play a part in the game as a ate substitute. Common sense prevailed and, as a result, Barcelona fans will have to wait until 2018 to have their new No.11 back on the pitch.
Perhaps going against general opinion here, but I do NOT want Dembele playing El Clasico. Recovery timings must be respected, long-term health prioritised: https://t.co/RLrcYCU86g pic.twitter.com/3q5CU64ecK— Francesc????TheBarcelonaPod (@TheBarcelonaPod) December 22, 2017
I honestly can’t wait another second until the ball starts rolling in El Clasico. Currently on a 24-game unbeaten run, Barca have nothing to lose when the visit the Bernabeu on Saturday. While a defeat wouldn’t be a huge disaster, a hypothetical victory would almost certainly knock Real Madrid out of the race for La Liga. With that in mind, it is unquestionable that Valverde’s men should be decisively pushing for a win from the very first minute.
Undoubtedly the biggest clash in club football, the millions of viewers who will be sitting in front of their TV screens are certainly in for a treat. As long as both teams go for the win for the initial whistle, we are in for a treat. We previewed the game in our latest The Barcelona Podcast, check it out here:
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The Barcelona Podcast is brought to you by Francesc Tomas (as seen in ESPN, The Guardian) and Dan Hilton (Barcablog). Listen in for the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou!
