El Clasico 2017 - Game 1 - 23-12-2017 - Preview

El Clasico 2017 - Game 1 - 23-12-2017

It's the Christmas weekend and Laliga will go into the season's break with its most sought after game - El Clasico. It's a magnificent encounter set on the wintry Saturday afternoon in the imposing Bernabue (Expect a sea of white.) - the home of Real Madrid .

The Clasicos – between Real Madrid and F C Barcelona - have always whipped up a hysteria because of the well-publicized rivalry between the clubs, the fanatic fans, the elite players involved and the quality of football on display.

The Spanish League is interestingly poised with the much decorated Los Blancos (Madrid) placed 4th while the transitionary Barcelona are the current leaders, with no losses. Hence, as the title holders, its a must win for Real Madrid especially with the full-throated backing of the partisan home crowd. A draw will be beneficial to the Blaugrana (Barcelona) but a win is what Barca will also look for, to consolidate their lead.

Team wise Real Madrid have all the advantage with some of the mighty talents of the football world featured in their midfield, defense and up front. The major players for them will be Modric, Isco, Kroos, Casemiro, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Varane  with, of course, the famed BBC trio leading from the front. Their bench is also equally strong with Asensio., Kovacic, Vazquez, Hakimi, Ceballos and Llorente.

Comparatively Barcelona, this season have very few stars to boast off.  But this time, surprisingly, their defense have held firm against some tough teams thanks to the lion-hearted and resolute Ter Stegen in the goal and the solidity of Pique, Vermaelen, Jordi Alba, Semedo and Sergi Roberto. One key star defender to miss out due to injury is the splendid Umtiti who had been flawless. Orchestrating their midfield is the divine duo of Messi and Iniesta; these two artistes have shouldered a lot for this team. A brilliant Busquets as the holding midfielder, is supported by Rakitic and Paulinho (a surprise package!). Luis Suarez starting to fire in front is a relief. Barca's current bench lacks the depth of Real.

Eventually it will be a clash of coach Valverde's defensive tactics versus the aggressive schemes of Zidane and how they react tactically to the circumstances as the game progresses.

The stage is set for the grand battle of two top combative teams who would want to triumph at all costs. None of the earlier Clasico results matter. It's a case of winning - now and here! Whoever wins, its going to be heartbreak for the opposing team and its die-hard followers. The frenzy of the fans, fanned by media and the teams, has reached a crescendo and who will emerge victorious remains to be seen. So will it be the Cules (Barca Supporters) or the Madridistas (Real Madrid Fans) who will have the last laugh and claim the bragging rights?

For the lucky neutrals, its time to sit back and relish a great game of football without the tension of who wins.

Sitting in one corner of India, along with millions of passionate Barca fans from all over the world, I will be glued to the TV, heart racing, chewing on my nails and fingers without blinking an eye. We all know that one thing holds the key for this F C Barcelona - that unassuming, little guy (who generally strolls around with his head down) getting into his groove and his delightful teammates anticipating and reinforcing him.

Always fingers crossed for you, my dear Barca.

Forca Barca! Visca Barca!

Lets go! Game on!