One year is a long time in football and I can safely predict that we shall not see a repeat of last year when Barca next meet Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
There have been some exemplary matches ( the last one against Milan was one of them) but this season’s FC Barcelona has matured but seemed to have got tired and somewhat demotivated in the process. By contrast Real Madrid is looking sharp and dangerous, not least in front of goal and all this with a club that appears to be pursuing a different narrative.
Mourinho has gone relatively quiet all of a sudden, and adopted an air of civility that was lacking last season, but which made him such an easy target for his detractors.His relaxed mode reflects confidence in his young players and their ability to play good football without resorting to thuggery. The chorusing of Mourinho’s name by Real Madrid fans is unprecedented. No manager/coach in the colub’s history has secured such popularity.
It may seem extraordinary by contrast at Pep Guardiola ,only days away from this season’s first Classico, is already admitting in public that FC Barcelona may have already lost the League. But it a wise tactic to deliver what you have promised rather than to promise what you can’t deliver. I suspect that Pep knows that Barca will not only lose at the Bernabeu in a few days time, but could well end this season without a trophy. If I’m proved wrong , Pep will earn the title ‘the special one’- no contest.
Whilst I agree that Real Madrid are looking far more dangerous than they were last season, the exciting fact still remains that Barcelona are the official thorn in Jose Mourinho’s side. Real Madrid may win the title through consistancy, picking up points where Barca throw them away, but this season’s two Classicos have no pre-determined winner as this article suggests. There is sure to be a fiery contest and the quiet and humble image that Mourinho has been laying on recently will go out the window I’m sure. Ronaldo could score a hatrick, Messi could score a hatrick, Abidal could head in the winner. The point being, we don’t know, and these fixtures have far more significance than any other derbys around the world when it comes to league standings, so Barcelona know they have to win. Real Madrid are strong, but Barcelona are natural winners, especially when it is most required of them. Either way, I just hope the football is the focus, something that Mourinho is not too concerned about when it comes to facing Barcelona.
I think even the most fervent cule will be forced to concede that the title may well be beyond us if we were to lost at the Bernabeu on 10th Dec.
No question that Madrid are the stronger squad this season, and perhaps the recent success has dulled the appetite. Although I don’t see that in a lot of games Jimmy.
Moreover, each and every team are now trying to play the Mourinho way and park the bus. Even a team as good has Barca cannot crack the code every week.
Should we get a win at Madrid, which in my opinion would be one of Guardiola’s best achievements in light of current away form, then as long as the Wold Club Championship doesn’t hinder us and we can stand toe to toe with Real Madrid into the early part of next year, then I see no reason why we couldn’t eventually overhaul them in the home straight, the home clasico being pivotal.
It´s good to see Cule’s admit the obvious..Real Madrid is now superior!
I think 2 critical factors are at play as to why Barça has already conceded the league: as Jason points out, success may have dulled their appetite, plus Pep’s refusal to sign a contract that was for longer than just 1 year..in other words he is off at the end of this season.
So the future looks bleak for Barça….. maybe just the infamous Catalan Cup to show for this season, Xavi, Keita, Abidal, Puyol, all over 30, Pep in the Premier (Fergie’s replacement?)…..
I look forward to referring back to this blog after the match. Visca Barca, Real Madrid will never play such pure football.
So.. Mr Captain Terry, looks like Captain Puyol and his men proved me right. Not a big surprise, they don’t call them champions for nothing. Who is C.Ronaldo?