Barcelona were delivered a 90th-minute sucker punch by their arch-rivals Real Madrid via the master of late match-saving headers- Sergio Ramos. In a Clasico which did not quite live up to the sky-high expectations of the fans, goals from Suarez and Ramos ensured a stalemate. The match was bereft of the high quality and the fair share of controversies we have come to expect and the Los Blancos were clearly the happier side at the result.
They extended their lead at the top of the table to 6 points and Barcelona know that it will now be an uphill task to catch them this season. The Blaugrana have been inconsistent this season with a few individuals and the team as a whole failing to connect or perform as the winning machine they have come to be known as.
But now the focus has to shift to the UEFA Champions League where they will face Borussia Monchengladbach Tuesday night. The group’s first two spots have been done and dusted with and Barcelona face no threat to their Numero Uno position in the table. And this has raised speculations that Luis Enrique will look to make changes to a side who are looking increasingly tired. A week’s break to a couple of senior players will do them a world of good.
PREDICTED BARCELONA LINE-UP VS BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Jasper Cillessen will hope to get a chance as he looks for opportunities to impress the manager. With Ter Stegen not the most comfortable this season, he will be hopeful of keeping the pressure on the No.1. Aleix Vidal hasn’t been the best when given the opportunity but Sergi Roberto desperately needs a breather. Pique and Umtiti are expected to line-up in the central defensive positions while Lucas Digne will likely be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Andre Gomes can play as the deep-lying midfielder as he did so against Real. Busquets hardly misses matches for Barcelona but this would be a good time to give him an off. Iniesta would like to have some minutes under his belts and is likely to fill up the remaining two slots along with one of Denis Suarez or Rafinha.
ATTACK
Neymar will the match with an injury which will likely see Arda Turan take up the left-wing spot. Luis Suarez could get a rest with Paco Alcácer getting the nod up top. Lionel Messi will look to put the game to bed and is likely to start.
