El Clasico is back this Thursday. The Camp Nou will host Barcelona and Real Madrid in the 2012 Supercopa de Espana.
Team news
Barcelona’s starting line-up is unlikely to create surprises. However, Alex Song is in line to receive his first cap as a Barcelona player. The Cameroonian football star completed his transfer from Arsenal to the Camp Nou this week. He successfully passed his medical meaning that he could find a place in Tito Vilanova’s First XI.
Tello provided a couple of assist in Barcelona’s 5-1 demolition of Real Sociedad over the weekend. The young Spaniard may once again be offered a spot alongside Lionel Messi in attack. Cristian Tello actually has scores to settle against Real Madrid’s defence; he was widely branded as the flop of the match when Barcelona last hosted Los Blancos in 2012.
Another Blaugrana star set to make an appearance in the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday is David Villa. The former Valencia talisman is back. He scored a goal on his return to competitive football last Sunday and has been tipped to add more minutes to his playing time against Real Madrid.
For the Spanish giants, Pepe will be missing in defence. However, Mesut Özil and Marcelo have been cleared from their Supercopa de Espana bans by the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Angel Maria Villar.
Analysis
In the absence of Pepe, the Spanish giants will probably find it very hard to close down Lionel Messi and company. The pressure will be on FIFA Ballon d’Or and UEFA Best Player contender Cristiano Ronaldo to show his class at the Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona vs Real Madrid will be more than just the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry. Although one of these two superstars could win the match for their respective team, the other players on the pitch will transform El Clasico into a collective battle.
Full analysis: check out the Four factors that electrify Barcelona vs Real Madrid.
Last Supercopa de Espana
August 14, 2011: Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona
August 17, 2011: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
August 17, 2011: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
Last four meetings
December 10, 2011: Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona (La Liga)January 18, 2012: Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)January 25, 2012: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey)April 21, 2012: Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
Relevant facts
• The last six meetings between Barcelona and Real Madrid produced a total of 23 goals, 13 of which were scored by Barcelona.
• The last six Clasicos produced as many as 42 yellow cards and 4 red cards.
• Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona only thrice in all competitions since the year 2008.
• Real Madrid have lost the Spanish Super Cup on four occasions: in 1982, 1995, 2007 and 2011.
• Barcelona have suffered more Spanish Super Cup disappointments than Real Madrid. History records that the Blaugrana lost out on seven occasions between 1985 and 1999.
• Barcelona have the edge with 10 Spanish Super Cup titles in the trophy room compared to Real Madrid’s 8.
• No player has scored more goals than Lionel Messi (8) in the history of the Spanish Super Cup.
Prediction
Barcelona may show a few weaknesses in defence but their midfield and forward lines could be too strong for Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
Scores: Barcelona 0-2 Real Madrid
