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The last El Clasico of this season is here and two of the biggest clubs in world football, Real Madrid and Barcelona, lock horns yet again, in what is surely going to be a footballing spectacle. The last time they played against each other, Barcelona won the match 3-0.
Real Madrid have qualified for the UEFA Champions League final for the third time in as many years. Barcelona, on the other hand, have clinched the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles but were knocked out by AS Roma in the quarterfinals of the Champions League by the away goal rule.
However, records and past encounters will not come into play when these two sides step onto the Camp Nou pitch.
Here are the five things one should expect from the match.
#1 The never-ending Messi-Ronaldo debate
Each time Lionel Messi rescues Barcelona with a well-timed finish or Cristiano Ronaldo scores a stunner for Real Madrid, fans start proclaiming each one as the 'greatest player' in the history of football.
Both have different skillsets and the way they play the game also differs. Ronaldo is one of the best finisher/poacher in the world, if not the best, right now and his goals are a treat to watch.
Messi is more of a playmaker whose exemplary vision makes it easy for him to assist and his mazy dribbles past many players to score goals are a feast.
Messi could move further ahead of Mohammed Salah in the race for European Golden Boot by scoring in tomorrow's game, while Ronaldo will also be looking to chip in a few goals and get Real Madrid back to winning ways against their arch-rivals. He has been in sublime form in the Champions League this season with 11 goals.
Messi scored a hat-trick in his last game and Ronaldo will be looking to score after helping his team soar into the UCL final
Who will prove to be decisive tomorrow? Messi or Ronaldo?
#2 Barcelona's unbeaten streak
FC Barcelona have stormed towards the La Liga title this season, courtesy of some valiant team effort and dedication. They have rarely committed any mistakes till now in their run towards the title, and they will hope that they won't do so in the remaining games.
They have had a dominant season in Spain, winning 26 matches and holding out opponents for a draw on 8 occasions. Their goal difference of 66 is much better than all of their counterparts.
Messi has been the difference in almost every single match Barcelona have played this season. He, Iniesta, Busquets and Pique have continued to perform well and have converted this team of many youngsters into a strong compact footballing unit.
Madrid will want to beat Barcelona and build some much-needed momentum ahead of the Champions League final and we can expect another feisty match between the two.
Can Real Madrid end Barcelona's unbeaten run in La Liga?
#3 Iniesta's last El Clasico
Andres Iniesta is nothing but a pure magician when it comes to football. His ability to read the game, hold up play when required, play through balls for teammates to finish and score decisive goals for both Spain and Barcelona, is something that not many players can do.
A few days earlier, Iniesta announced that he will be leaving Barcelona after this season and it implies that this will be his last El Clasico in Blaugrana colours.
Iniesta is one of the most loved Barcelona players at Real Madrid because of his sportsmanship and personality. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane quoted that Iniesta deserved the Ballon d'Or during his playing tenure.
Maybe both Real and Barcelona fans will come together to give a pasillo (guard of honour) to Iniesta for his contributions to the beautiful game.
#4 The tactical battle: Valverde vs Zidane
Nobody expected Ernesto Valverde to stabilize Barcelona in such a manner, after a tensed summer when manager Luis Enrique and star player Neymar left the club. However he has excelled in his job and has guided the team to a domestic double, after losing the first two matches against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
Valverde brought back the focus of Barcelona's game play to the midfielders, as opposed to his predecessor Luis Enrique who relied on quick transition of the ball to his forwards. His usage of Messi in a more central role as the playmaker who controls the game, has benefited Barcelona a lot.
Zinedine Zidane on the other hand, has had a stellar start to his managerial career and has won every single title that can be won by Real Madrid over the last two years, including two Champions League titles.
His game play is based upon usage to high pressing in order to contain the opponent team in their own half. Passing into spaces and crossing from deep, is why his style of play endears so much to the fans. Besides, he has got a pool of immensely talented players leading the line for the team.
It will be really interesting to see who will come out on top.
#5 Pure talent on display
Real Madrid have one of the most talented sides in Europe that has progressed all the way into the Champions League final and looks set to win the treble of UCL titles.
The forward line is led by talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who can ply his trade in the left wing and centre forward position with ease. Supporting him are Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and young Lucas Vazquez.
The midfield is bossed by Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who are footballing giants in their own rights. Casemiro, Isco and Kovacic can all pull the strings from the midfield. Marco Asensio's positional flexibility and capability to score goals make him the trump card for Los Blancos.
Barcelona are led by the poacher Luis Suarez as the centre forward, with Lionel Messi taking up the play making-cum-goalscorer role. Paco Alcacer and Ousmane Dembele are worthy substitutions who can win matches on their own.
The Los Cules boast of a midfield that has the genius of Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, along with the flair of Phillippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic and Paulinho.
It will be another breathtaking match. Who will win the El Clasico? Lets wait and watch.
