El Clásico Superthread

redout

16th April - Bernabéu - la Liga
20th April - Mestalla - Copa del Rey Final
27th April - Bernabéu - Champions League Semi-final 1st leg
3rd May - Camp Nou - Champions League Semi-final 2nd leg

It would seem all but certain both sides will meet for an unprecedented four times in the space of just 17 days. Barça have won every El Clásico since Pep took over in 2008 - the most memorable of which were the 2-6 at the Bernabéu and the Manita at Camp Nou this season - that is five Clásicos on the spin with a cumulative score of 16-2. It would be naive to believe that run of five consecutive victories would stretch to nine. The most important trophies at stake are la Liga and the Champions league. Madrid will be desperate to snatch a victory in the Copa and restore some badly wounded pride. These four games will decide Special one, 2, 3, 4, 5! future at the club. Should Madrid put in a poor showing then Florentino won’t hesitate to show him the door. On the other hand should they snatch the Copa and dump Barça out of the Champions league I could see Florentino doing the unthinkable and offer him the total control which he craves. I reckon both sides will taste victory and can see all four being tight affairs. One thing is for sure and that is it's going be a nerve-wracking 17 days if you’re a culé/blanco. That’s about it for now - all I can say is that I hope Barça do a whitewash.

Visca Barça

cardwizzard

Can't wait for the CL games. Should be a real cracker( no pun). Can't see Madrid doing Barca so the league should be in the bag for them. Jose could make the difference in CL, like last year, but I doubt it.

Zebra3

A mere superthread for all that? :eek:

J. Marston

Barca will win them all.

Pauleta

9-7 to Barca

Jelle1880

Don't see Barcelona winning them all, but definitely the most important ones (a win in the league will all but secure the title and the Champions League is in my opinion pretty much theirs already).

Shane St.

barca will win them all easy!!

dfx-

Real to win the league game at least I think, first leg to be a draw in the CL and then...eeney, meeney, miney mo.

This thread to be filled with "deserved yellow for Busquets" and "about time/pleased Busquets/Alves was booked" like any Barca v EPL game thread

djfitzerjnr

hate Real, bunch or corrupt Franco bastards. Dislike Barca due to their constant tapping up of payers + coaches.

That said, I hope Barca win cos of their play, ideology with regards to coaching youngsters + actually schooling the kids.

Blatter

These games will all be close imo.

Real will be determined not to be humiliated again and it wouldn't greatly surprise me to see them knock Barca out of the CL.

Paully D

I think Barcelona will win the league game and Real Madrid will progress in the Champions League. The Copa Del Rey game will be very close.

Barcelona won't have things as easy as many people think.

I'll stick my neck on the line and say:

Game 1, La Liga - Barcelona win
Game 2, Copa Del Rey - Barcelona win
Game 3, Champions League 1st Leg - Real Madrid win
Game 4, Champions League 2nd Leg - Draw

Glico Man

My heart won't be able for this... anybody have a defib handy?

Obviously I don't want the Blaugrana to lose any of them but I'd rather they lost the Copa game than either CL or Liga

Professional Griefer

Real to get the better of barca in the CL.

Dolph Starbeam

I think it goes without saying that i am looking forward to these games. As has been said i don't see one team winning all these.

Game 1, La Liga - Real Madrid win
Game 2, Copa Del Rey - Barcelona win
Game 3, Champions League 1st Leg - Barcelona win
Game 4, Champions League 2nd Leg - Draw

miralize

The first game really decides it for me. The following games after that will more or less be decided depending on the result in La Liga. Hope Barcelona demolish them though! Definitely field a weaker team for Copa Del Rey

CorkMan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHT-JYCE6hA

HALA MADRID!!! Lets go for the unprecedented 10th European Cup, the 1st club to go into double figures. We might not get the league, but the European Cup is within grasp and so is the Copa Del Rey!!!

BTW, the Real Madrid crest goes 1st.

PHB

I have no real idea what is going to happen, but by god it's exciting!

ShamoBuc

miralize wrote: »

The first game really decides it for me. The following games after that will more or less be decided depending on the result in La Liga. Hope Barcelona demolish them though! Definitely field a weaker team for Copa Del Rey

I'm finding it very hard to understand that statement. Each game will depend on so many different factors - there is too many to list them all! The first 2 are one off games, 3 pts and then a cup. The next 2 are related games of course - agg score- so the tactics will change as the goals go in, or don't go in as they progress. To say the first game will have so much importance as to more or less decide the next 3 is ...... surprising to say the least - IMHO.

I can't see Barca winning all 4 - although it would be nice. The cup game could go all the way to spotters. The CL home game is obviously a huge game for Real in front of their fans and this could be the one they win, only to go out after being outclassed in the second leg.
One thing is for certain, there will be many a twist and turn in all 4 games and will make for compelling viewing to all foootball fans.

LGE game - Draw
Cup - Pens --> toss a coin
Cl Berna. Real
CL C.N. Barca ---> Barca go through by 2 clear goals.

miralize

ShamoBuc wrote: »

I'm finding it very hard to understand that statement. Each game will depend on so many different factors - there is too many to list them all! The first 2 are one off games, 3 pts and then a cup. The next 2 are related games of course - agg score- so the tactics will change as the goals go in, or don't go in as they progress. To say the first game will have so much importance as to more or less decide the next 3 is ...... surprising to say the least - IMHO.

I can't see Barca winning all 4 - although it would be nice. The cup game could go all the way to spotters. The CL home game is obviously a huge game for Real in front of their fans and this could be the one they win, only to go out after being outclassed in the second leg.
One thing is for certain, there will be many a twist and turn in all 4 games and will make for compelling viewing to all foootball fans.

LGE game - Draw
Cup - Pens --> toss a coin
Cl Berna. Real
CL C.N. Barca ---> Barca go through by 2 clear goals.

I understand what youre saying, but the first game will really set the scene for the rest of them in terms of mentality.

flahavaj

Barca will win them all, winning margin will be double figures on aggregate over the four games, easily.

dagdha

I don't think I'll be able to handle 4 games against Madrid in such a small space of time. David Villa has'nt scored in a few games and its these types of games where he could easily turn it on and score a goal a game in them or a brace in one or two of them ala the 5-0. It will be a very though couple of games coming up and I can't call any results. One thing that could prove important is that Barca are yellow card free in the champions leauge while Real have 4/5 players on yellows going into their game against Spurs, these players might not play against Spurs but if they do they will try not to pick up a second so they don't miss the first leg or else they could pick up a yellow in the first leg against Barca and miss the leg in the Camp Nou. There is no way in hell that a few yellows even a red or two won't be handed out over the 2 Champions League legs and this could have a serious affect on tactics.

It will be interesting because anything that could flare up in the first meeting in the league could spill over into the other games between them.

Blatter

dagdha wrote: »

I don't think I'll be able to handle 4 games against Madrid in such a small space of time. David Villa has'nt scored in a few games and its these types of games where he could easily turn it on and score a goal a game in them or a brace in one or two of them ala the 5-0. It will be a very though couple of games coming up and I can't call any results. One thing that could prove important is that Barca are yellow card free in the champions leauge while Real have 4/5 players on yellows going into their game against Spurs, these players might not play against Spurs but if they do they will try not to pick up a second so they don't miss the first leg or else they could pick up a yellow in the first leg against Barca and miss the leg in the Camp Nou. There is no way in hell that a few yellows even a red or two won't be handed out over the 2 Champions League legs and this could have a serious affect on tactics.

It will be interesting because anything that could flare up in the first meeting in the league could spill over into the other games between them.

AFAIK, yellow cards get wiped after the QF stage now.

gimmick

Interesting to see how cynical Real will be in the league match? Will they go out and kick shít in the hopes of causing a few injuries?

Pepe, Arbeloa and Ramos will be put on notice to fúck with Messi and Iniestas ankles IMO.

RandolphEsq

gimmick wrote: »

Interesting to see how cynical Real will be in the league match? Will they go out and kick shít in the hopes of causing a few injuries?

Pepe, Arbeloa and Ramos will be put on notice to fúck with Messi and Iniestas ankles IMO.

Hopefully. Rough up the nancy boys a bit

redout

Just thinking that Ronaldo has never scored against Barça in the 6 times he has played against them. Surely he must score at least once during these four games - will be astounded if he doesnt.

CorkMan

If C.Ronaldo is at the beginning of a goal streak (seeing as scored against Spurs, and when he came on on 60' minutes tonight) I would be more confident. If Kaká can come on good the better.

An on-form Benzema, Ronaldo and fit Kaká certainly looks good.

Glico Man

redout wrote: »

Just thinking that Ronaldo has never scored against Barça in the 6 times he has played against them. Surely he must score at least once during these four games - will be astounded if he doesnt.

Any idea when Puyol is back? Can't seem to find any info anywhere

redout

aaronh007 wrote: »

Any idea when Puyol is back? Can't seem to find any info anywhere

No idea - he has been training since before the first Arsenal game believe it or not.

redout

Granero and Mascherano both picked up bookings today which rule them out.

Granero's absence wont be of much significance.

Mascherano's loss could be a small headache with Puyol's comeback still unknown.

If he makes next week then happy days - first choice CB pairing with Busquets slotting back into midfield.

If not then Busquets will likely continue at CB with possibly Keita coming into the DM role - only other player with experience in the role.

Keita is well capable so no major concerns though it obviously aint first choice.

No way I could see Pep risk Milito at CB given his erratic performances this season.

Oh and Banjo done his cruciate tonight - so his season looks over.

As it stands I reckon we will see: (considering nothing disastrous against Shakhtar)

---

Valdes

---

Pique----Busquets

---

Adriano

Alves

---

Keita

---

Xavi

---

Iniesta

---

God

---

Pedrito

---

Villa

eternal

Does the OP have a Spanish keyboard ?
Its going to be an exciting month alright.Its very hard to say whats going to happen.The flights to Barcelona for the semis are 230 euro , waaay to expensive.

yahoo_moe

ShamoBuc wrote: »

Each game will depend on so many different factors - there is too many to list them all!

Good post - don't forget the fact that things will also be skewed just by the fact that there will be so many games in such a short time (assuming QFs go according to plan for each).

You can get odd results in these kinds of runs so I'm not making any predictions at all - just going to sit back and enjoy more Clasicos than you generally get to see in a full season!

gimmick

Just a thought. Is there the possibility that Jose will field an under strength team on Saturday given that even with a win, they would still probably not win the league?

Say he rests CR7 and Alonso so they will be 100% rested for the cup final the following wednesday? Not that outrageous a happening really.

redout

gimmick wrote: »

Just a thought. Is there the possibility that Jose will field an under strength team on Saturday given that even with a win, they would still probably not win the league?

Say he rests CR7 and Alonso so they will be 100% rested for the cup final the following wednesday? Not that outrageous a happening really.

Nope - his job is on the line over the course of these games.

Already on the receiving end of arguably the greatest football display of all-time.

Dont see him fielding a weakened team at all - he needs a good showing.

CorkMan

gimmick wrote: »

Just a thought. Is there the possibility that Jose will field an under strength team on Saturday given that even with a win, they would still probably not win the league?

Say he rests CR7 and Alonso so they will be 100% rested for the cup final the following wednesday? Not that outrageous a happening really.

Well Pep Guardiola has never treated the Copa Del Rey as his premier competition, regularly leaving out top players. I am not sure if he will put out a top squad even for the final. Though with Mourinho, i've no doubt he will field the greatest 11.

Blatter

What odds on a Mourinho master class and win each of the 4 games?

Not saying I think it will happen, just interested to know the odds.

redout

CorkMan wrote: »

Well Pep Guardiola has never treated the Copa Del Rey as his premier competition, regularly leaving out top players. I am not sure if he will put out a top squad even for the final. Though with Mourinho, i've no doubt he will field the greatest 11.

Pinto will probably be the only non-regular starting.

Tradition in Spain for sides to field the reserve keeper in the Copa but Madrid have broken with tradition in this seasons competition and fielded Casillas.

CorkMan

redout wrote: »

Nope - his job is on the line over the course of these games.

Already on the receiving end of arguably the greatest football display of all-time.

Dont see him fielding a weakened team at all - he needs a good showing.

They said that on RTÉ before Arsenal played Barca in London.

redout

SOCCER4LIFE wrote: »

What odds on a Mourinho master class and win each of the 4 games?

Not saying I think it will happen, just interested to know the odds.

CorkMan

redout wrote: »

Pinto will probably be the only non-regular starting.

Tradition in Spain for sides to field the reserve keeper in the Copa but Madrid have broken with tradition in this seasons competition and fielded Casillas.

Why do you think Pep will field his very best outfield line-up?

CorkMan

redout wrote: »

Going down to collect my free bet at the bookies so!

redout

CorkMan wrote: »

Why do you think Pep will field his very best outfield line-up?

Why gift Madrid the trophy ?

Pep after last nights game: "Let's not be mistaken - we won't go to the Bernabeu to sit back," "We have the opportunity to strike a decisive blow in this league"

redout

CorkMan wrote: »

They said that on RTÉ before Arsenal played Barca in London.

Numerous media outlets the world over said it on 30th November 2010.

I said it also - I was there - witnessed it - never seen anything like it.

SantryRed

I don't understand why people are saying Barca will rest players in the final. Sure they've Osasuna at home after the cup final so could easily field an understrength side in that game.

redout

Cruyff: "Can Barça or Real win four direct duels in 18 days? No. Because they are two very good teams, two very good competitors, and they are going all out to try and win silverware. Can Real or Barça win all four games? Is it probable? On the contrary, it is very unlikely."

"You do not need to win four straight against your great rival to prove you're the best," "At least from the standpoint of Barça. Coming from where you came from, to earn what they've won, play like you're playing, your goal is not the full four.

"Your goal is to win the appropriate games of which there are two: the final of the Cup in Valencia and the return of the Champions League semi-final in Barcelona. One is worth a title, the other a place in the final. If the club were to win the Cup, even win three of four games, but lose their place in the final at Wembley would Catalans be happy then? Surely not."

That_Guy

Wouldn't it be great if Spurs came back on Wednesday.

redout

That_Guy wrote: »

Wouldn't it be great if Spurs came back on Wednesday.

No.

staker

That_Guy wrote: »

Wouldn't it be great if Spurs came back on Wednesday.

Yes.

Warper

Mourinho was in a way kinda lucky to lose his immense unbeaten home league record in the game just before they were due to play Barca at home. Not a chance Barca will rest players for Sat night, it is El Clasico. How great it would be to beat a Mourinho team at home in the League.

CorkMan

staker wrote: »

Yes.

Why, so they would get through to the final?

staker

CorkMan wrote: »

Why, so they would get through to the final?

The game ain't over 'til the fat lady sings...

CorkMan

staker wrote: »

The game ain't over 'til the fat lady sings...

Or the stoned man:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2Q6pa5cSSo