
Match F. C. Barcelona - Real Madrid
Date Sunday 07/10/2012
Time 19:50
Venue Camp Nou
Matchday 7



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FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clasico – La Liga Preview
Barcelona beat Benfica Tuesday in the Champions League group stages in Portugal for the first time ever. Their historical win came at a price as star defender Carlos Pulos was stretchered off to a gruesome dislocated elbow. The captain had just recovered from a hamstring injury and is now looking at more time on the sidelines. Barca have won all their six games and top the Spanish tables with 18 points. Their thrilling comeback win against Sevilla over the weekend secured their two point lead over a closely trailing Atletico Madrid. A little acting and fine finishing from Cesc Fabregas was enough to see Barca through to a 3-2 victory in Sevilla. Barca has now won six consecutive matches in all competitions but injuries have become a concern for the Catalans.
Tito Vilanova has a task ahead of him in defense. Mascherano and Alex Song will play deeper roles than they are accustomed against their Spanish rivals. Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique on the other hand, should finally be fit. These introductions however, will bring technique and ball possession to Barca.

With four consecutive wins and 14 goals in the process, Real Madrid’s dismal start to the season is finally behind them. Los Blancos however, need to leave Camp Nou with points if they want to compete for the La Liga championship. Real is at their best on the counter attack and with Ronaldo, Higuain, and Di Maria, they can score within seconds. The Portuguese superstar is in top form after netting a hat trick in back to back matches against Deportivo and Ajax.
At 10 points from 6 matches, Madrid is in six position in the tables, but an upset at Camp Nou would have them right back in the running. Real will do well to remember their win over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup back in August. Kaka was handed a rare start against Ajax but impressed with his vision and ability to open the game. Raphael Varane could get the start of his life after Sergio Ramos’ recent bust-up with Jose Mourinho, but don’t expect too many changes in Mou’s master-plan.
