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Like an old feuding couple this pair can never be kept apart and once again the eyes of Europe will descend on another mouth-watering ‘El Clasico’ clash; the latest offering being for the Spanish Super Cup.
If the Spanish Super Cup double header is anything like the last five blockbusters, expect a fiesta of goals, moments of magic, controversy, debatable refereeing decisions and a loud Jose Mourinho moan.
Of course, this is not just a match pitting two of Spanish football’s most decorated and successful sides ever. When Los Blancos and La Blaugrana meet, a concoction of history, pride, hatred for the other and determination are strewn into an already toxic brew.
With the latest duel offering the season’s first opportunity of silverware, the Spanish Super Cup clash bears even more significance than an ordinary ‘pre-season friendly’.
Both sides looked particularly strong during their respective summer tours, meaning it is again difficult to predict the outcome, although the omens look good for Jose Mourinho’s men who historically at least, hold the advantage.
Madrid’s pre-season has seen Mourinho’s side score 27 goals in just seven games and the capital side have won all four meetings between these two teams in the Supercopa.
So what can we expect from the latest ‘El Clasico’ offering?
1. New Signings Galore!
Real Madrid captured highly-rated young Turk Nuri Sahin and skillful midfielder Hamit Altintop who will be a very welcomed. But perhaps their biggest acquisition is the fabulous Fabio Coentrao who is expected to walk into the Whites’ first team – yes he is that good!
Barcelona on the other hand have also strengthened following last season’s splendid double. It is adios Bojan Krkic and hello Alexis Sanchez, whilst Thiago Alcantara has shot himself in first team contention following some impressive pre-season performances.
And of course there is a certain Cesc Fabregas who will no doubt further bolster the Barca midfield.
2. Lionel Messi terrorizing Real Madrid…again!
Barcelona have enjoyed recent success against Los Blancos, winning three of the five El Clasico’s last season and Lionel Messi’s sensational act of genius in the UEFA Champions League first-leg was the pick of the goals.
3. A Jose Mourinho moan.
As inevitable as rain during the British summer. The self-proclaimed ‘Special One has a seemingly visceral hatred of the Catalan outfit who he sadistically enjoys winding up, bashing and volleying with a torrent of sarcastic comments.
Barcelona’s commander-in-chief Pep Guardiola is more reserved although the Camp Nou legend is more than willing to fight back with aplomb.
Witness his dramatic rant against Mourinho prior to the Champions League double-header last season!
Likely Line-Ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Alonso, Khedira; Ozil, Di Maria, Ronaldo; Benzema.
Barcelona: Valdes; Dani Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal; Mascherano; Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona.
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