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Barcelona vs Real Madrid: A Clasico up in flames

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: A Clasico up in flames

With both teams far from their best, Barcelona and Real Madrid go into Saturday's Clasico looking for a win that would ease the mounting pressure. The pair face off at the Camp Nou in their first ever meeting behind closed doors.

The hosts are in the midst of an institutional crisis and, in a sporting sense, still recovering from that 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in Lisbon. As for the visitors, they come into this match off the back of two of their worst performances in years, going down to both Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk at home.

The joy of winning last season's LaLiga Santander title hasn't lasted long for Los Blancos. The two successive defeats at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano have put Zinedine Zidane under the microscope again, but it's not the first time.

Last campaign, after the losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Mallorca, Zidane took his side to Istanbul in need of a win against Galatasaray. The 1-0 victory lifted spirits once more within the club and they went on to lift two trophies by the end of the season.

Now, for the Clasico, Zidane is able to recall Sergio Ramos, which will be an almighty relief for the Real Madrid boss. The veteran doesn't just offer defensive solidity but competitiveness, leadership and a goal threat to a team that has appeared devoid of all three.

The option to field a sturdier midfield four has come to Zidane's mind this week as he looks to tighten up at the back following leaky displays against both Cadiz and Shakhtar.

Doldrums

Barcelona aren't exactly having their best time, either, at the moment. In a sporting sense, the handsome win over Ferencvaros in the Champions League provided some much needed calm and confidence amongst the squad.

Off the pitch, though, the situation is anything but calm. In the latest internal spat at the Catalan club, the dressing room are split over the proposal of another pay cut for the players. Gerard Pique for one, has been very vocal in his criticism of the board and president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman doesn't think that the off-the-pitch matters will have much of an effect of his team's ability to perform against Real Madrid. In terms of results, the Dutch coach will be looking for a response to last weekend's loss to Getafe.

With Jordi Alba fit again, Sergino Dest is expected to come over to play in his more natural right-back slot, pushing Sergi Roberto out of the team.

In midfield, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong are set to keep their places ahead of Miralem Pjanic, while Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann will take the more attacking roles and Lionel Messi will continue as a false nine.

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

Original Story on: GhanaSoccernet
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