Real Madrid - Barcelona: Experience takes on youth in the El Clasico dugout
A classic is often different to an ordinary match, without complexities, without favourites. A clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona, in La Liga, fulfils the two previous requirements that fit the characteristics of a match of this nature.
Two coaches who have in common their legendary status will be sitting on the Santiago Bernabeu benches: Ancelotti and Xavi. The Italian is a two-time Champions League winner with Los Merengues (plus two more with AC Milan), while the Catalan is a three-time European Cup winner as a player.
Both Ancelotti and Xavi share another, more tactical point, in addition to their status as legends: the creation of a style of play that is captivating, that attracts attention and generates results in the medium term.
Both coaches stand out for setting up offensive schemes based on ball possession. Ancelotti did it at Bayern, at AC Milan with Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Shevchenko and at Napoli. Xavi, for his part, excelled in Qatar and brought to the Middle East the Barca ideals - the tiki-taka of Johan Cruyff.
The Bernabeu will be the place where the Italian and the Catalan will meet again. Tension, competitiveness and the need for a good result haunt the two teams that share the La Liga lead with 22 points each.
A battered Xavi
After the near-elimination from the UEFA Champions League, El Clasico is a match of more than just three points that gives Xavi the chance to vindicate himself with his fans and show that, at least at home, he can do good things or even win titles.
The statistics reveal an attacking, physical and exciting Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez's team has completed a seven-game winning streak; perhaps the only black mark on the team was the goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano on the first matchday.
Barça are cruising in the domestic competition. The results are coming on their own. The possession, the ball circulation, the aggression. La Liga has been almost perfect for the Culés. Barcelona's virtues in the league are many: control of the tempo of the match, dynamic play; pace on the wings, creation of danger and starting from the back with the ball at their feet.
Barcelona's black marks in domestically have been seen in the last two matches against Mallorca and Celta. Both results ended 1-0 in favour of Xavi's team. However, reality shows that when Robert Lewandowski is disconnected from Pedri and Gavi, the Blaugrana's creation of chances are tenuous.
Ancelotti's experience
Unlike Barcelona, who succumbed to Inter's cold tactics in the Champions League, Real Madrid are enjoying a sweet period under the guidance of an experienced, calm and versatile coach. In Europe, Madrid qualified for the round of 16 as group leaders. In La Liga, the club shares the lead with the culé team with 22 points (the difference of 20 goals scored makes Barca the leader).
Identifying a specific system of play for Ancelotti is a difficult task. In his second stint as manager of the white club, the Italian has opted for the construction of a base that adapts to the needs of each match.
Against Betis, at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid started with a 4-3-3 formation. The circulation of the ball, the offense, the generation of danger, showcased a team that wanted to dominate under the premise of possession. The result was a stunning 2-1 scoreline that didn't do them justice.
Against Atletico, Ancelotti decided to implement a defensive system. The Italian knew that the Colchoneros would press high and look for free kicks. Real Madrid gave complete possession to Diego Simeone's team, who kept the ball without causing an issues. The result was the same as against Betis: 2-1, which, as against the Andalusian team, didn't do them justice.
In short, Ancelotti's Real Madrid are a compact, versatile and, in particular, aggressive team. Xavi's Barcelona are, so far, the best club in La Liga. The numbers are on his side. However, the Champions League tie with Inter is a factor that propels Barca towards some issues.
Ancelotti's experience is among Real Madrid's strengths. The Italian, who has already qualified for the Champions League round of 16, knows that this Sunday he has the chance to defeat Barcelona and, in a way, despite it being October and with a World Cup in the middle of the calendar, pull ahead domestically.
