The most-watched and most-anticipated football game of the planet, Real Madrid against Barcelona is set to take place not once but twice in the span of 72 hours this week.
The eternal rivals would be facing each other in two different competitions though. The first game which takes place on 27th February is a Copa del Rey fixture, following which the two teams again lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu but in a different competition, the Spanish Primera Division.
The first leg of the semi-final of the Cup which was contested at the Camp Nou ended in 1-1 draw. The Whites do have an away-goal advantage but it would be difficult to bet on a clean-sheet for Solari’s side as they have failed to keep a clean-sheet five games on the trot now.
Los Blancos would be approaching this fixture with a full-strength squad except for Isco Alarcon who is nursing a back injury. Santiago Solari has endured a tough time from the local press in Spain in the build-up to the game and also post it in relation to his squad selection.
With a full-strength squad at his disposal, Solari has to also please a lot more faces inside the dressing room than externally. Both the encounters against Barcelona are of equal importance for Madrid. The Copa del Rey seems to be the only clear silverware in Real Madrid’s eyesight this time around. Also, the league seems pretty done and dusted with Barcelona nine points clear.
In the build-up to this encounter, Real won away at Levante courtesy to goals from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. The month of February has been extraordinarily shaky, but the European Champions have delivered when it matters. Heres how we at T4O feel Solari’s men would take the field at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Defence
Cup first choice keeper, Keylor Navas is expected to be the guardian for Madrid in front of goal. Navas has had limited opportunities this season and has made sure he has made each one of them count. Dani Carvajal would occupy the right-back position.
The rock-solid duo of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos would be the centre back pairing for this high-intensity fixture. It would be a tough decision for Solari on the left back position with Reguilon putting in dedicated performances every week. However, Marcelo’s experience cannot be ruled out and he might just get the nod ahead of the Spaniard.
Midfield
The trio of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric would be handling things in the centre of the field for Madrid. The trio have been largely responsible for Madrid’s success in recent years. The midfield unit of Madrid would be often seen being supported by Lucas Vasquez who starts out on the right wing. The way the midfield plays on Wednesday night would be instrumental in deciding the tide of the game.
Attack
The hard-working and dedicated Lucas Vasquez is expected to start ahead of Gareth Bale who seems to forget his defensive duties at times. Benzema who is Madrid’s only reliable out and out striker this season would be taking charge of the striker’s position. Towards Benzema’s left would be the Brazilian wonder-kid, Vinicius Junior. The 18-year-old has turned out to be a shining diamond for Madrid in a season which has mainly been played under overcast conditions.
Predicted Line-Up
Navas
Carvajal – Varane – Ramos – Marcelo
Modric – Casemiro – Kroos
Vasquez – Benzema – Vinicius
