Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola prepare to renew their rivalry for the first time on English soil as Manchester United and Manchester City prepare for the blockbuster Manchester derby on Saturday. The pair worked together for 4 years at Camp Nou before a series of events led to a complete breakdown of relationship between the two. Going their separate ways after the Blaugrana fiasco the two of them have come across each other a number of times especially in the La Liga. Pep Guardiola has understandably had the upper hand as he had the super human ability of Lionel Messi along with him. Both are brilliant tacticians but employ varied styles. And the stage is perfect for them to restart their rivalry for the next 3 years (at least they would hope it is). With a day to go for perhaps the most glamorous as well as an intense fixture in the season, we will briefly have a look at 3 memorable El Clasicos with Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola at the helm.
BARCELONA 5- 0 REAL MADRID (NOVEMBER 29, 2010)
Jose Mourinho’s first El Clasico also turned out to be Jose Mourinho’s worst defeat of his managerial career. Things couldn’t have been worse for the new Real Madrid manager as Barca handed them a lesson in football. The result probably added to the resentment in Mourinho for Pep and though he did lose more matches to the Catalan, none were as disastrous as this.
BARCELONA 3- 2 REAL MADRID SPANISH SUPER CUP (AUGUST 17, 2011)
Perhaps the most controversial clash between the two. The second leg of the Spanish Super Cup after the 1st leg was ended 2-2 just 3 days back, the match is remembered more for its infamous touchline melee at the end of the game. Messi and Iniesta gave them the lead twice before Cristiano Ronaldo replied after which a late Benzema goal seemed to have been enough for the game to go into extra-time. But Messi had other ideas as he gave them a 3-2 win with the aggregate score reading 5-4. And the ensuing clash resulted in red cards for Marcelo, Ozil and Villa and Mourinho infamously poking Tito Vilanova in the eye.
BARCELONA 1- 2 REAL MADRID (APRIL 21,2012)
Perhaps a sweet temporary end to the rivalry for Jose Mourinho as the Special One managed to inflict Barcelona’s first home defeat in 55 games which was also their 1st Clasico win in 5 years. But it came when it mattered as Mourinho managed to become the only Manager to win a League title with the Catalan managing in the same league. It also ended Pep’s stint as Barca coach as he decided to take a sabbatical.
