Xavi Hernandez and his Barcelona squad have the prospect to take a large leap towards securing La Liga glory Sunday, after they face off in opposition to Real Madrid in a Clasico showdown that, ought to they emerge victorious, would grant them a commanding twelve-point lead over the reigning champions.
The Catalans haven’t gained the Spanish title since Ernesto Valverde was on the helm in 2019 and increasing the hole on their bitter rivals within the second would just about clinch it.
Madrid gained the primary La Liga Clasico 3-1 in October however Xavi’s facet have vastly improved since then.
The coach is determined to win the league title to validate the workforce’s development, whereas for the membership it might characterize a swift return on their outlay final summer time.
Despite their monetary disaster, Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and different gamers by promoting off future tv rights in a transfer some blasted for playing with the membership’s future.
Champions League group-stage elimination, adopted by a Europa League knock-out by Manchester United, confirmed Barcelona nonetheless have an extended technique to go, however they’ve made important progress.
Beating Real Madrid 3-1 within the Spanish Super Cup last in January in Saudi Arabia earned Xavi his first trophy as a coach, and the efficiency was dominant.
By distinction, when the groups met earlier in March within the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Madrid had the higher of the sport, however Barcelona nonetheless scraped a 1-0 win.
How the Catalans strategy this Clasico is a key problem for Xavi to determine.
Fans at Camp Nou might not react effectively to a equally defensive efficiency and can count on Barcelona to take the initiative extra.
That will probably be considerably simpler if midfield maestro Pedri is match.
Without the Canary Islander, already important for membership and nation at 20 years previous, Barcelona appear just about incapable of enjoying possession soccer.
Pedri has been lacking with a thigh harm for six video games throughout all competitions and in his absence, when Barcelona have gained it has been by counting on their rock-solid protection.
Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior fired blanks on the Santiago Bernabeu within the Copa Clasico and the latter has been shackled by Ronald Araujo in current battles with Barcelona.
Xavi tends to pick out the Uruguayan center-back at right-back in opposition to Madrid so he can face off in opposition to the Brazilian winger.
Barcelona have discovered that by shutting down Vinicius, Madrid’s assault is considerably much less harmful.
“For me, he is the best in the world,” mentioned Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Champions League win over Liverpool in midweek, backing Vinicius to the hilt.
However, Madrid might must show they produce other routes to the objective if Vinicius is saved quiet.
The winger arrange Benzema as Los Blancos beat Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday to succeed in the Champions League quarter-finals, 6-2 on combination.
It was a powerful show that reveals the reigning Spanish and European champions can produce the products when it actually issues to them.
The alternative to chop the hole on Barcelona to 6 factors on the prime of La Liga might re-ignite the title race, however the document 14-time European champions’ essential objective is retaining that trophy.
“We have to continue with this rhythm, playing like we’ve played today, and I hope it’s like that in the Clasico, we have to win,” mentioned Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, after beating Liverpool.
Benzema is predicted to be match after taking a blow to the shin in opposition to the Reds, however Barcelona are nonetheless lacking his compatriot Ousmane Dembele.
To upset the Catalans, Madrid must handle one thing just one different La Liga facet have achieved all season – scoring in opposition to the hosts at Camp Nou.
Joselu netted a penalty for Espanyol in December and no participant has scored from open play within the prime flight this season at Barcelona’s stadium.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
