I've always said give Jose Mourinho a season in spain and he'll get u a trophy, give him two and he'll get you the league.
With El Clásico number 164 fast approaching at the Santiago Bernabéu a lot would agree a win tonight for the home side would go a long way in a achieving that. Madrid boast a three point lead at the summit having played a game less than their spanish counterparts which would make this a nine pointer instead of the usual six.
Mourinho's men have won their last 10 La Liga games, 15 in all competitions and as assistant coach Aitor Karanka said at the press conference: "We are in good shape. It is just one more game and we will not change our way of doing things".
Barcalona on the other hand have lost only one of their 11 meetings since Pep Guardiola took charge in 2008 (7 wins) and have never lost under his stewardship at the Bernabeu. Though their league form hasn't been that impressive this term as they have managed two wins in six away games, scoring 8 and conceding 7.
Its inconceivable to think Messi and Ronaldo won't have an influence in which way the tie goes. The Argentine has score 13 goals in 15 games against Real and the Portuguese captain 3 goals in 9. Seventeen goals each makes the best two players in the world the leading goal scorers in La Liga.
It amazes me that both of them are still so "young" Messi is 24 and Ronaldo is 26, just to think Brasilian Ronaldo LuĂs Nazário de Lima will retire at 35 and Teddy Sherringham the english striker retired at 42. How many records can these to still break.
Talking about records Pep is looking to equal a club record 4th consecutive La Liga title and Jose is looking to set a club record 11th straight win in La Liga and 16th in all competitions.
As all big derby's go there is that element of over enthusiasm that often leads to an explosion on (and off) the field and in this fixture a few red cards, with Madrid leading in that department. I don't expect it to be cordial but it has all the ingredients to be another footballing spectacle.
Some say the Real Madrid coach wasn't allowed his usual mind games, I read an article in the independent with the headline "Jose Mourinho opts for silence ahead of El Clásico" http://ind.pn/vTJEzr but for me that's a massive statement of mind games, it also shows his team and Barca that he is fully focused on tonight and that speaks volumes.
I expect Karim Benzema to start but I'd like Jose to go with Gonzalo Higuain instead. Barca might have to go with Javier Mascherano at the centre of the defense other than that the teams pick themselves and I can't wait for kick off El Clásico.
My prediction is for Jose to come out on top of Pep in the end and no I do not foresee a draw.
Jade Christopher Bentley Adams (JCBA)
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