El Clasico: Preview of the battle of Spain

Messi (L), Ronaldo

What is an “El Clasico”? Why the hatred/rivalry?

“The Classic” to give it its literal meaning. A football match quite unlike any other. It is the clash between “The Catalonians” & their heavyweight counterparts “The Castitilian’s.” Basically any match played between Barcelona and Real Madrid is termed as “El Clasico”. Long back in history this clash was even described as the ‘a re-enactment of the Spanish Civil War’. The story of this great rivalry actually begins in the Franco era (Spanish dictator), but the first meeting between these heavyweights of Spanish football predates the Franco era by 30+ years. It was way back on 13 May, 1902, in the semi-final of “Copa de la Coronacion” which is now the Copa del Rey. The rivalry hit the boiling point during the 1950?s, it further intensified due to the tug of war for the transfer of the great Alfredo Di Stefano who eventually joined Real Madrid. Then came a man called Johan Cruyff in 1973 who went public declaring that he could have signed for Madrid but he would never join a club associated with Franco. This statement earned him kudos from the people in Catalunya & hence angering the Madrid faithful.

Now came the “Galactico’s Era”. Real Madrid catapulted to the rich list by signing world’s best players then. Stars like Ronaldo, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Zinedine Zidane joined forces with Real Madrid. Another heating moment in this rivalry was when Luis Figo joined Real Madrid from Barcelona. It was a heartbreak for the Cules fans & they consider it as a betrayal. Later was the time for transition in Spanish Football. Then came Jose Mourinho. A personality, a man who just wouldn’t give up, a man with a plan. His controversial acts & comments sent this rivalry into a totally new dimension. The list goes on and on to explain events elevating this rivalry. But I suppose the best tales are yet to be written. As Mother Teresa once quoted, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today”. Let’s focus on the present El Clasico.

EL CLASICO 2013/14..

1. THE SIMILARITY

The difference will always be similar in every El Clasico played. Confused? The difference in cultures & most importantly the difference in Philosophies is the major difference yet will be similar in this year’s El Clasico. Barcelona will head into the match by their philosophy,”keep passing until their head’s spin” aka Tiki-Taka. A philosophy which has made them arguably the best side in this decade. Whereas Real Madrid would continue by their brand of philosophy i.e. “The Galacticos” programme. The Spaniards have a neat expression to explain this divergence of game plays. “Cantera vs Cartera” which literally means youth system vs wallet.

The Classic within the Classic

Derby games reach a new level when two greats who genuinely vied for the crown of world’s greatest footballer play against each other. Yes, El Clasico in recent years has been more about Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo than the two clubs. From the pubs and bars to the chirping of Twitter & arguing on Facebook fan pages, the debate rages. Who is the better player? There is no definitive answer to this question. On paper, Messi has been better. The Ballon d’Or has been his personal property since last won by his counterpart Ronaldo in 2008, but on the bigger picture both players are considerably different and cannot be compared directly. It is no card game where we can just compare the attributes and conclude a winner. Apart from the debate and arguments these two are yet again expected to showcase their talent & rock the Clasico. Other than this watching world class players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Ramos, Isco, Luka Modric etc. play against each other would certainly be a treat for the eye.

2. THE DIFFERENCE

The change will be the difference in this year’s El Clasico. The additions of high profile players by both clubs to their ranks will be a highlight.

Neymar vs Gareth Bale

This should be an interesting tussle apart from the main event (Messi vs Ronaldo). With the “world’s most expensive player” tag looming on Bale’s shoulder, scoring in the El Clasico would be a perfect scenario for the Welshman. Whereas all the praises and bragging from Pele, and other greats creates a peer pressure for Neymar who is yet to display his true potential.

Head Coach changes

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona changed their coaches this summer. Tata Martino and Carlo Ancelotti are sure to get the first taste of the greatest game on the planet, as they say. This year’s game will be tactically different as there have been significant improvements in both sides. Barcelona has improved their passing with increased diagonal long balls and more composed defending. Whereas Real Madrid has undergone some changes due to signing of youngsters, arrival and departure of some first team players.

We gain some, we lose some

This El Clasico would certainly miss some highlight players like Mesut Ozil, Kaka, Eric Abidal, David Villa who by their performances entertained the audiences all around the world. The biggest loss for this El Clasico would be Iker Casillas. The club captain, World Cup winner, the ‘white saint’ of Real Madrid lost his starting berth to Diego Lopez under Mourinho and now under Ancelotti. This El Clasico would be as cracking as always no doubt but still the build-up will miss the charisma and quirky nature of Mourinho as well as the quiet, calm yet alert stature of Pep Guardiola. The clashes between the two managers have certainly set a benchmark in recent years.

On the contrary no matter how many players come and go, no matter how many coaches imply their tactics to these behemoths of Spanish football the “Maro ya Maro” factor will always be there. Always. One thing is for sure. For sheer entertainment, desire, passion, theatre and spectacle, El Clasico was, is and always will be a class apart. Because it is not just a game. It is a “battle”.