'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As we inch closer to El Clasico, it is imperative to say that the tie will have a huge impact on everyone around Real Madrid and Barcelona. Historically, this tie was seldom considered useless as they depict a change in power shift at the top of Spain’s hierarchy. It is an epic power struggle between two European giants, the outcome of which can shape their season.
As evident in the nature of football, one set of fans will be happy and the other set of fans will be left devastated considering the results of this tie. Even last season, the first El Clasico left Real Madrid way behind their other rivals and apparently, the gap was impossible to overcome for them.
Although La Liga is competitive this year, a tiny mishap still has huge impact on the standings of both the teams. Everyone associated with Real Madrid and Barcelona knows how even a small change can lead to large developments, be it disaster or winning the La Liga.
Without further ado, let us evaluate the three important changes which will take place according to the results of these matches.
#1. The fate of Julen Lopetegui :
It is safe to say current Real Madrid coach, Julen Lopetegui is a walking on thin ice and something other than a clear cut positive result will see him out of his job. Their unconvincing victory in the UEFA Champions League amidst this winless run was not sufficient to impress Florentino Perez.
Many other ex players, pundits and critics fear that he will be sacked after El Clasico, no matter what.
Despite the naysayers, Julen Lopetegui still maintains that El Clasico is more on his mind than his own job. Such is the importance of this fixture, that it is enough to provoke a cruel response from the Madrid board towards coach and players.
After the loss against Sevilla, Alaves and Levante, it is assumed one more mistake would be enough to make Julen Lopetegui the scapegoat. Florentino Perez is not known for his patience and certainly, there are rumours that he is already deciding the next coach of Real Madrid.
#2. Real Madrid, down and out :
Real Madrid are currently 7th on the La Liga table and will be again far behind other challengers with any more errors. They are already on a 4 match winless streak in La Liga, conceding six goals while scoring only one in the League.
Their only goal scorer in the last four games is Marcelo, who is a left back. All these are the least of their problems as they will soon find themselves out of the title race if they lose. They were in a similar crisis before the first El Clasico in La Liga last season and the humiliating loss was enough to consider their La Liga challenge useless.
Although it is only October and some may argue that it is too early to decide La Liga, even the optimists associated with Real Madrid know that their challenge will fade away if they lose. On the other hand, winning the tie will give them a new found confidence and motivation and La Liga title won’t be out of their hands so soon.
#3. Barcelona’s hold on the top of the table :
Another resonating effect that would be clear after the El Clasico, would be Barcelona’s grip on the top of the table. They are currently one point behind leaders, Atletico Madrid while playing a game less. El clasico will decide whether they stay ahead and strengthen their grip
They will be without veteran and captain, Leo messi, who is out due to an injury. Leo Messi is the highest goal scorer in the El Clasico as he led Barcelona to several victories over the years. There is no doubt that he will be missed.
Ernesto Valverde and his men will take great heart from the fact that they demolished Real Madrid 4-0 the last time Leo Messi missed an El Clasico. And it will be huge chance for the Barcelona players like Coutinho and Dembele to prove their caliber in front of the whole world. Win or loss, the results of El clasico will have resonating effects and shape the way of this season.
