El Clasico

Photo courtesy of oleole.com

Can't get enough of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid?  Well, the month of April is your lucky month.

First we start with El Clasico, which begins tomorrow (Apr.16 at 4 p.m.).  It is considered by many soccer fans globally as one of the most heated rivalry club games ever to be played.     

This meeting, however, is slightly different compared to the last 5-0 whooping Barcelona put on Real Madrid last November; tomorrow's game will be less significant to others played in the past because of situations that have occurred in La Liga standings (Barcelona ahead 8 points over Madrid) and Champions League play.  As you all of heard by now, Barcelona will be facing Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final on Apr. 27.      

Decisions on both sides will have to be made whether to start their starters or give them a much needed rest for the Champions League semi-final. 

I'm sure Barcelona and Madrid fans will not appreciate their team "playing scared" or showing a "lack of effort" per say, in a game that not only represents a team, but a section of Spain.  Pride is what Spaniards live off of and being embarrassed by your rivals will simply not be tolerated.  

I believe coaches Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will seek the fan's perspective and play their starters come Saturday night.  Resting players will benefit their health for the future, but El Clasico is a spectacle that cannot be ignored.  It is history on wheels.  

On-lookers will be able to witness the tenacious, yet brilliant play of Lionel Messi as well as the skillful play of Cristiano Ronaldo.  Xavi Hernadez's elegant play in the midfield will also be shadowed by the prodigy Mesut Ozil.  Carles Puyol, now scheduled to make an appearance Saturday night, will clean up the dirty work in the back, giving Victor Valdes a safety valve.  On the other side of the pitch, Pepe will be the man backing up Iker Casillas. Strikers David Villa and newly-acquired Emmanuel Adebayor will hope to punish opposing defenders and continue their streak of goals.            

When Saturday night comes to an end, soccer fans will enjoy a series of three more games between Real Madrid and Barcelona.  The Copa del Ray final (Apr.20) is another Spanish Cup that will have the two intertwine again.  Last but not least, the two legs of the Champions League semi-final will be where the pit bulls are released from their cages.  Two superiors going at it in a battle for a spot in the Champions League final.  

Who will come out victorious you ask?  The month of April will provide you with those answers.

STAY TUNED MY FRIENDS!