Xavi Hernandez and his Barcelona aspect can take a decisive step in the direction of profitable La Liga on Sunday — the place a Clasico victory over Real Madrid would ship them 12 factors away from the champions.
The Catalans haven’t received the Spanish title since Ernesto Valverde was at the helm in 2019 and increasing the hole on their bitter rivals in second would nearly clinch it.
Madrid received the primary La Liga Clasico 3-1 in October however Xavi’s aspect 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 will symbolize a swift return on their outlay final summer time.
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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 a great distance to go, however they’ve made vital progress.
Beating Real Madrid 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup last in January in Saudi Arabia earned Xavi his first trophy as coach, and the efficiency was dominant.
By distinction, when the groups met earlier March in 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 challenge for Xavi to determine.
Fans at Camp Nou might not react nicely to a equally defensive efficiency, and can anticipate Barcelona to take the initiative extra.
That will likely be considerably simpler if midfield maestro Pedri is match.
Without the Canary Islander, already important for membership and nation at 20 years outdated, Barcelona appear nearly incapable of enjoying possession soccer.
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Pedri has been lacking with a thigh damage for six video games throughout all competitions and in his absence, when Barcelona have received it has been by counting on their rock-solid defence.
Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior fired blanks at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa Clasico and the latter has been shackled by Ronald Araujo in latest battles with Barcelona.
Xavi tends to choose the Uruguayan centre-back at right-back towards Madrid so he can face off towards the Brazilian winger.
Barcelona have discovered that by shutting down Vinicius, Madrid’s assault is considerably much less harmful.
“For me he’s the most effective in the world,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Champions League win over Liverpool in midweek, backing Vinicius to the hilt.
However Madrid may have to show they produce other routes to purpose if Vinicius is saved quiet.
The winger set up Benzema as Los Blancos beat Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, 6-2 on aggregate.
It was a strong display which shows the reigning Spanish and European champions can produce the goods when it truly matters to them.
The opportunity to cut the gap on Barcelona to six points at the top of La Liga could re-ignite the title race, but the record 14-time European champions’ main goal 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,” stated Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, after beating Liverpool.
Benzema is predicted to be match after taking a blow to the shin towards the Reds, however Barcelona are nonetheless lacking his compatriot Ousmane Dembele.
To upset the Catalans, Madrid could have to handle one thing just one different La Liga aspect have completed all season — scoring towards the hosts at Camp Nou.
Joselu netted a penalty for Espanyol in December and no participant has scored from open play in the highest flight this season at Barcelona’s stadium.
Player to watch: Sergi Darder
Espanyol midfielder Sergi Darder has pulled the strings for his aspect this season and is essential to their bid to keep away from relegation. His aspect face Celta Vigo on Saturday at house and with Espanyol a degree above the drop zone, it’s a must-win recreation.
Key stats
19 – Pedri, aiming to return on Sunday, leads La Liga for many by means of balls performed
54 – No participant has made extra tackles this season in Spain than Celta Vigo’s Javi Galan
100 – Cadiz goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma has been the busiest in La Liga with a century of saves
Fixtures (all instances GMT)
Friday
Real Valladolid v Athletic Bilbao (2000)
Saturday
Almeria v Cadiz (1300), Rayo Vallecano v Girona (1515), Espanyol v Celta Vigo (1730), Atletico Madrid v Valencia (2000)
Sunday
Real Betis v Real Mallorca (1300), Osasuna v Villarreal (1515), Real Sociedad v Elche (1515), Getafe v Sevilla (1730), Barcelona v Real Madrid (2000)
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
