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This is the match everyone has been waiting for - tonight we will witness the first clash between Barcelona and Madrid clubs in this unpredictable season.
Even considering the historical clashes between these teams, this match is considered exceptional. "Barcelona", still considered by many as the best team on the planet, will face the strong Jose Mourinho's Madrid "Real" who has been dominating their opponents this season. The visitors' goal is clear - to overthrow the Catalans from their throne in Spain and take on the title of the most powerful club.
"La Blaugrana" tried to avoid controversial statements before the match. However, coach Pep Guardiola would have received few uncomfortable questions, as he could have been satisfied with what he saw in recent days - first, an 8-0 victory over "Almeria" in the national championship, and then a 3-0 victory over Atene's "Panathinaikos" in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"We are the favorites. We play at home, we are in good athletic form and eager to win," said Barcelona's midfielder Xavi.
Defender Dani Alves echoed him: "The match will be tough and intense, so we hope to show what we are capable of. The opponent is very motivated, but we know our level and will accomplish the task."
A defeat would mean that the Catalans would fall behind their fiercest rival in the league table by four points.
The match is also eagerly awaited because "Real" is demonstrating excellent attacking football this season and in Spain, they are not far behind the famous "Barcelona" when it comes to goals scored - both teams have scored 33 goals.
However, the defense-focused Mourinho did not forget his old ways, proving that "Real" can successfully defend as well. The result of all this is that the Madrid team under his leadership has not suffered a defeat this season, although, for example, in a Champions League match in Milan, they saved themselves only in the last moment.
Last week was also successful - a 5-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Ajax in Amsterdam. This match is more known for Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos receiving (or not) red cards to avoid disqualification in the knockout stages.
Avoiding speaking about it, the players focused on "El Clasico." Alonso said: "We have great attacking potential. If we play well and defend successfully, we can certainly bring victory from 'Camp Nou'."
"Of course, the opponents are very strong. Over the last few years, they have won many titles, but beating us will not be easy because we understand what these matches mean."
Team news:
"Barcelona"
There are no injury issues - the only important player missing from Monday's match is defender Gabriel Milito.
"Real"
Jose Mourinho had more reason to worry, but Ricardo Carvalho, Sami Khedira, and Gonzalo Higuain are ready to play.
However, Kaka and Fernando Gago will definitely not be on the field.
Predicted lineups:
"Barcelona": Valdez; Abidal, Pique, Puyol, Alves; Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi; Villa, Messi, Pedro.
"Real": Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Carvalho, Ramos; Di Maria, Alonso, Khedira; Ozil; C.Ronaldo, Higuain.
Prediction:
"Barcelona" 1 - 1 "Real"
TV
The match will be broadcast live in Lithuania from 22:00 on the "Sport1" television channel.
