Real Madrid have a massive game ahead of them tonight, one that could potentially decide the course of their season.Having lost the last two finals they have played against Barcelona, Real Madrid have...
Real Madrid have a massive game ahead of them tonight, one that could potentially decide the course of their season.
Having lost the last two finals they have played against Barcelona, Real Madrid have their pride on the line as they take on the Catalans in their first final of the ongoing season.
The Blaugrana are being regarded as favourites widely, but history is testament that the favourites tag is worth nothing in a Clasico. Needless to say, the Real Madrid dressing room will fully believe in their chances tonight.
Former Barcelona player speaks
Former Barcelona player Abelardo Fernandez spoke to Diario AS ahead of the game and gave his honest thoughts on who the favourites were. He began by insisting that Barcelona were not as clear favourites as many claimed.
“Not at all. Indeed, Barcelona qualified comfortably and Madrid suffered much more, but every game is different.”
Speaking on Real Madrid’s semifinal against Atletico Madrid, he said,
“Atletico deserved more in the semifinal for the game and chances created, but the finishing is decisive.”
“Madrid’s advantage is that they don’t need to play well to win the games because of the great individuals they have. That made the difference. The final will be similar,” he added.
The former Barcelona player then stressed that there are no favourites in El Clasico, as history has often shown.
“I don’t think it’s that bad. It is clear that Barcelona are better, but I have often seen favourites lose. I expect an equal, open, and high-scoring match.”
“No, because Madrid won the last Clasico. Previous records are not worth it here. I don’t predict a Barça rout and I think Madrid can perfectly win the title,” he added when asked if Barcelona can replicate the 5-2 win of last season.
Fernandez was then asked about Real Madrid’s defensive crisis, to which he backed Xabi Alonso to come up with a good strategy.
“Obviously it is a problem, but the Madrid squad is so deep and of such quality, that those notable absences can be made up for with ease.”
“Tchouameni himself saved a goal-bound ball in the final part of the clash against Atleti. They are not having luck with injuries, but Xabi will know how to structure the eleven to face his great rival,” he added.
He then hinted that Pedri and Raphinha are the two pillars of Barcelona that Real Madrid should look to target.
“Right now they are the two most decisive players of Barcelona. Since they have come together, the team plays more fluidly and generates more chances.”
Real Madrid must be wary of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“Others like Raphinha and Lamine may attract more attention, but for me, Pedri is the best of Barça. Covering him is vital for the opponents because he is the one who feeds those above,” he added.
Conversely, he also named the Real Madrid players who can be differentials on the night, whom Barcelona must be wary of.
“Rodrygo, who is in form, as well as Vinicius, despite his bad scoring streak, and to Gonzalo, who I think is a very interesting striker.”
The ex-Barcelona star was then asked how much of a difference Mbappe’s participation would make, to which he said,
“A lot. Gonzalo puts pressure at the defensive level that the Frenchman does not offer and finishes better the lateral centers, but Mbappé is a goal-making machine and is fundamental for his team if he is well.”
“Surely the Barça players prefer that he doesn’t play,” he added.
He then spoke on what Alonso’s plan should be if Mbappe is fit, and who should be dropped from the XI in that case.
“The logical thing, although it is a shame for the boy, is that Gonzalo leaves the eleven, although through performance perhaps it would be Vinicius who should leave his place for Mbappé.”
Should Mbappe start vs Barcelona?. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Xabi has personality and will know how to deal with it. It’s not an easy decision,” he added.
Fernandez was then asked if Real Madrid can exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line, to which he responded positively.
“Of course. With the verticality and speed that the players at the top have, they can do a lot of damage.”
“[They can exploit it] If those behind know how to get out of the high press with ease and the midfielders deliver balls to the forwards,” he added.
“Behind the Barcelona defenders there will be a lot of space and if Madrid knows how to take advantage of it, it can be one of the keys,” he concluded.
Towards the end of his interview, he was asked if Real Madrid lacks creativity in midfield and he responded affirmatively with backing.
“They still notice the absence of Kroos and Modric, but both are irreplaceable. Perhaps the footballer that Madrid needed was Zubimendi who joined Arsenal. He would have been very good for them.”
“Xabi is doing what he can with what he has. Tchouameni is performing very well, but he is not an organizer and the others are from different profiles than those who have left,” he added.
He also gave his two cents on whether he would understand Xabi Alonso’s sacking if Real Madrid lost by a heavy margin.
“I don’t think about it. Xabi is doing well and if Madrid has bet on a project they must keep it. He is young, comes with new ideas, and has to consolidate them.”
“Barça has some automatisms that Madrid has not yet achieved, but if they give it time it will be achieved. I am convinced that the season will end,” he added.
Finally, he was asked about the famous Diego Simeone-Vinicius Jr altercation from the semifinal
“These are situational. In my time they said much bigger nonsense and they gave a lot more kicks. These are things that happen in the field and they must stay there.”
“It’s something normal. I’m sure that Cholo and Vinicius will shake hands next time, they will talk and everything will be forgotten,” he added.
Category: General Sports
