El Clasico: 5 Key individual battles that will decide the game

#2 Gerard Pique vs. Cristiano Ronaldo

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Supercopa de Espana: 1st Leg

Real Madrid, of course, have their own star striker on hand to cause Barcelona headaches. Cristiano Ronaldo has been so good since the middle of January, it has been a surprise when he’s not found the net.

Indeed, since drawing a blank against Villarreal on January 13 in a 1-0 home defeat, the 33-year-old Ballon d’Or winner has set about showing just why he claimed that individual accolade. Bayern Munich twice managed to shut him out, but the only side domestically who have had as much luck were Levante. He has 20 goals in his last 11 La Liga outings – a staggering return.

While the Portuguese is liable to have a great deal of freedom, it is in the centre of the Barcelona defence that the focus will fall on preventing him from finding the net, with Gerard Pique the man liable to be tasked with policing the superstar.

The Spain international, who is also a former Manchester United player, is of course well versed in these Clasico clashes, but the challenge of stopping Cristiano at present appears to be a formidable one.

If Pique can nullify him, Barcelona will be in a strong position to win the match, even with Karim Benzema rejuvenated after his midweek double against Bayern.