Kenpachi Zaraki
05-02-2009, 06:30 AM
Real Madrid CF against FC Barcelona is known at 'El Clásico' for a reason – and with Saturday's Santiago Bernabéu encounter a possible title decider, it is certainly promising to live up to its name.
Reversal of fortunes
Just 360 days have passed since the Azulgrana formed a guard of honour for the men in white as newly crowned Liga champions Madrid took to their home pitch. A year on and it is Barça who take a four-point lead to the Spanish capital knowing that victory against Juande Ramos's second-placed outfit would give them a commanding lead with only four fixtures remaining.
Playing to win
"There's nothing to weigh up ahead of the game; we're going there to win," Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta said. "If one thing has characterised us this season it's that no matter where we play we always maintain the same attacking style. Our intention has always been winning by playing an attractive and effective game. We're full of confidence and victory for us will almost certainly decide the title in our favour."
Crucial games
The match against Madrid represents a crucial moment for Josep Guardiola's treble-chasing team, coming as it does prior to Wednesday's evenly poised UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg with Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge. Barça lost Rafael Márquez to a knee injury in the 0-0 home draw with the English club last Tuesday and the Mexican international's fellow defender Gerard Piqué believes that with the stakes so high, concentration will be crucial in Madrid.
'Ready to attack'
"We'll be focused, ready to attack and to win," Piqué said. "Madrid may be fresher but we're more than used to playing many matches in sequence this season; we'll have had four days to prepare for this match and that's a lot. It's clear that it'll be difficult but we'll attack and try to win a game that will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the league."
[B]Intensity
Ramos's only league defeat at the helm of Madrid came in a 2-0 defeat at Camp Nou last December. The 17 wins and one draw the team has achieved since then have allowed Los Merengues to stay on the heels of their opponents this weekend. Raúl González foresees a frenetic start to proceedings. "We'll be looking to come out with intensity from the opening minutes," the Madrid captain said.
Atmosphere
The suspended Pepe will play no part while midfielder Guti is set to miss out with an ankle strain but Arjen Robben could return to action following a calf tear. "Right now the only worthwhile result is a win and playing at the Santiago Bernabéu we're favourites," Raúl added. "The game will be very open but the atmosphere inside the stadium will help to push us to victory."
uefa.com
Reversal of fortunes
Just 360 days have passed since the Azulgrana formed a guard of honour for the men in white as newly crowned Liga champions Madrid took to their home pitch. A year on and it is Barça who take a four-point lead to the Spanish capital knowing that victory against Juande Ramos's second-placed outfit would give them a commanding lead with only four fixtures remaining.
Playing to win
"There's nothing to weigh up ahead of the game; we're going there to win," Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta said. "If one thing has characterised us this season it's that no matter where we play we always maintain the same attacking style. Our intention has always been winning by playing an attractive and effective game. We're full of confidence and victory for us will almost certainly decide the title in our favour."
Crucial games
The match against Madrid represents a crucial moment for Josep Guardiola's treble-chasing team, coming as it does prior to Wednesday's evenly poised UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg with Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge. Barça lost Rafael Márquez to a knee injury in the 0-0 home draw with the English club last Tuesday and the Mexican international's fellow defender Gerard Piqué believes that with the stakes so high, concentration will be crucial in Madrid.
'Ready to attack'
"We'll be focused, ready to attack and to win," Piqué said. "Madrid may be fresher but we're more than used to playing many matches in sequence this season; we'll have had four days to prepare for this match and that's a lot. It's clear that it'll be difficult but we'll attack and try to win a game that will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the league."
[B]Intensity
Ramos's only league defeat at the helm of Madrid came in a 2-0 defeat at Camp Nou last December. The 17 wins and one draw the team has achieved since then have allowed Los Merengues to stay on the heels of their opponents this weekend. Raúl González foresees a frenetic start to proceedings. "We'll be looking to come out with intensity from the opening minutes," the Madrid captain said.
Atmosphere
The suspended Pepe will play no part while midfielder Guti is set to miss out with an ankle strain but Arjen Robben could return to action following a calf tear. "Right now the only worthwhile result is a win and playing at the Santiago Bernabéu we're favourites," Raúl added. "The game will be very open but the atmosphere inside the stadium will help to push us to victory."
uefa.com