La Liga week 14: FC Barcelona – Real Madrid
FC Barcelona is already seven points behind Real Madrid in La Liga leaving no other choice for the reigning champions than a victory against its rival in the very anticipated El Clasico. Real Madrid has been a roll conceding only three draws and winning the ten other matches.
Are they the favorites? Yes on paper, but in front of home crowd FC Barcelona will do everything to stop the current streak of the disappointing draws [0-0 against Malaga and 1-1 at Real Sociedad]. If you are following the game in the US, these fantasy sports sites have all you need to get excited about FC Barcelona – Real Madrid. It is the place where you can start to build your lineups to win prize money and have some fun!
Barcelona has its back behind the wall and will look to beat Real Madrid to close the gap atop of the table. A Real Madrid win could already be decisive for the title even though the season is not yet at its half-way point. Nonetheless, El Clasico is a game not to miss where hundreds of millions of eyes will turn to Barcelona on Sunday. We hear from each side as they prepare for El Clasico
Luis Enrique – FC Barcelona:
“In game as special as this one, against our eternal rivals at Camp Nou, it’s very important to keep your emotions in check. That goes not just for me, but also for my players. It’s important to emerge victorious because they are a direct rival and we share similar aspirations. And being at home is just another motivating factor.
In games like these, the standings have very little bearing on what happens out on the field. Beyond the final score, I don’t think this game will be decisive in La Liga; we’re only in Week 14. It’s special for our fans, and with 100,000 people cheering us on we want to provide joy, both for us and them. I expect Real Madrid to play the way they have so far this season, without the need to control the ball. They attack quickly, with few touches, they’ll be very direct, and effective in front of the goal.
We’ll try to control the ball and win the battle for possession to create scoring chances. We’ll need to play very well to beat a team as good as this one.”
Zinedine Zidane – Real Madrid
“It’ll be a difficult match, it’s going to be very tough. That’s to be expected, we’re playing against a great team. We’ve prepared really well for the game and we’re ready. People want to see a good football match and the most important thing for us is to stay focused on the job we have to do.
We always have a lot to play for. We have to give our all, as always to play a good game. If we play well, remain focused and start the match strongly, we’ll be able to do things well.
We’ve got exceptional players with real quality, they’re consummate professionals. So we have every chance of getting these results. I know it might be surprising, but it’s thanks to the hard work, concentration and intensity day in day out”.
