The focus of the match has to be Real's new coach: Juande Ramos. The former Tottenham manager, who was sacked recently, returned to Spain with his reputation still intact, as Real look to him to save their title challenge this season.
Real is in unfamiliar territory: they are struggling in the 5th position in the La Liga, while Barca is starting to find their feet, with Messi, Henry and Eto in scoring form. But all these obvious advantages may just be the banana skin that plotted Real's victory in this game.
El Clasico, as in many other derby matches and bitter rival match-up, is an unpredictable match where form cannot be rely upon. In fact, for Real, this is a golden opportunity to turn around their disappointing season. With all their talents around, and Raul record-breaking form, Real will not be the underdogs for this tie. And with Juande Ramos at helm, the Real players will be trying even harder to impress their new boss.
As Juande Ramos said, Real have nothing to fear. If Real, with the hosts of talent they have, need to fear Barca, then the rest of the league might as well give the title to Barca. Bernd Schuster's negative statement is of no logic, and really irked the President and fans. Bernd practically talks himself out of the job, as not long ago, Real president had given him a vote of confidence.
This game may well be determined by the brilliance of the top stars of either side, be it Messi, Henry and Eto for Barca, or Raul, Gago and Sneijder.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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