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At [link="http://www.eurofootball.com"]"EuroFootball.com"[/link] portal - the section "Fan Thoughts"! Before the most important, interesting, and highly publicized matches, we talk to fans who are passionate about the teams entering the competition.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the "El Clasico" battle between the two Spanish giants - "Barcelona" and Madrid's "Real," veteran "blaugrana" supporter Tango agreed to answer our questions.
"EuroFootball.com": How did you start supporting "Barcelona"? Have you been a fan of this club for a long time? What were the first "blaugrana" matches you saw and what was the result?
Tango: It all started with the Dutch players. Probably nothing new to say that I was fascinated by footballers like Ronald Koeman, Adri van Tiggelen, Frank Rijkaard, and Ruud Gullit.
It all started with the Dutch players. Probably nothing new to say that I was fascinated by footballers like Ronald Koeman, Adri van Tiggelen, Frank Rijkaard, and Ruud Gullit.
"EuroFootball.com": Which Barcelona player of all time is your favorite? What would you highlight from the current squad?
Tango: Without a doubt - Pep Guardiola. From the older generation, I am also impressed by Luis Enrique, Hristo Stoichkov, and Patrick Kluivert.
From the current squad - Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Perhaps not surprising to say that these guys have chessboards in their minds. They always foresee everything a few moves ahead.
"EuroFootball.com": What makes "Barcelona" better than "Real"?
Tango: Absolutely nothing. Each supporter will find plenty of positives in their beloved team and plenty of negatives in the disliked team. I am biased on this question, so I don't want to praise Barcelona and criticize Real. I have emphasized in discussions that I respect Real as a super-strong opponent.
"EuroFootball.com": Share your most painful and pleasant memories from past "El Clasico" matches.
Tango: Ooooo!!! I won't be original. The most painful defeat was 1:4 at the "Santiago Bernabeu" and the corridor for the champions. The most pleasant memory - also from there, from the "Santiago Bernabeu." Six goals into Iker Casillas' net were like an alien invasion on Earth. It was unbelievable.
"EuroFootball.com": Which team, in your opinion, will triumph on Monday? What factors will have the greatest impact on the final result?
Tango: I believe that the chances for both teams are 50-50 until the referee's final whistle.
What factors can determine the result? The most minor ones - even losing the ball in a harmless situation. I wish victory to Barcelona.
"EuroFootball.com": Which part is the weakest in the current lineup of the Catalan club? Which part do you consider the strongest?
Tango: It's very simple. I consider the weakest part of Barcelona to be their defenders. Not because they have bad players, but because the other two parts of Barcelona are extremely strong. I won't be original in saying that Barcelona's midfield is the center of the team's brain. Lose it - lose the game.
"EuroFootball.com": What do you fear the most from the opponents' camp?
Tango: Definitely not Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a great player, but if you leave him alone, the Portuguese won't be as dangerous. It was evident in the Champions League final with Manchester United. C. Ronaldo had energy for only 10 minutes. Also, last season in Spain - leave C. Ronaldo alone, and half of the job will be done. Of course, he can single-handedly decide the outcome of a match, but most of the time, he gets nervous and shoots wide, especially in important matches. He needs to learn to handle pressure.
I am most afraid of the new "Real" players - Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria. If you manage to contain them, it can be said that Barcelona scored half a goal.
"EuroFootball.com": Which opponent player will play the most important role in "El Clasico"?
Tango: I think Iker Casillas and Angel Di Maria. The latter doesn't necessarily have to score to become the best player of the match.
"EuroFootball.com": Which "Real" player(s) do you dislike the most?
Tango: Those I dislike the most no longer play for Real. They are Luis Figo and Guti.
It's a shame that the one I loved and respected the most no longer plays. That's Raul. That's what a true opponent with a capital "O" should be like.
Among the current players - I'm not a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, but that doesn't mean he's a bad player.
"EuroFootball.com": Which coach is better - Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho?
Tango: It's an unfair question. Both of them are excellent specialists. Mourinho is more experienced and has won more trophies, but Pep's record includes the "sextuple" with Barcelona. On the other hand, it's scary to think about how the team would play if Mourinho were the head coach and Guardiola his assistant, or vice versa. Their minds and ideas would turn the football world upside down in half a season.
"EuroFootball.com": Which footballer is better - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Tango: Xavi (laughs). But seriously, if the Third World War doesn't break out, this question will become the most important of the 21st century.
"EuroFootball.com": Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos receiving red cards "by accident" during the Champions League match against Ajax - a clever tactical decision or a blow to sportsmanship?
Tango: It's no secret that such things have happened before, but this time everything was so obvious that it leaves a bitter taste. Such professionals should "disguise" better, not send "telegraphist" Dudek to Iker.
I completely justify the calculation of "how many cards I have," but I do not justify the way it was done in those matches. It would probably be worse to suddenly take off the shirts in the middle of the field.
"EuroFootball.com": What will be the final result of the "El Clasico" match? Who will score goals?
Tango: I predict a draw or a victory for Barcelona by one goal. But only because the Catalans are playing at home. Barcelona doesn't have many more advantages. Goal scorers? Hmmm, anyone except goalkeepers and coaches.
"EuroFootball.com": What would you like to say to the opponent Ramona before the upcoming match?
Tango: The same thing I have said to him on the forum. I sincerely regret that he is not a Barcelona fan. The ability to discuss anything, anywhere and, after all, a sense of humor, all of this fits perfectly.
Ramona: Which "Barcelona" is stronger: Rijkaard's, Guardiola's, or Cruyff's?
Tango: I cannot judge Cruyff's team because I knew little about it at the time. I didn't watch matches like I do now. I didn't understand tactical schemes, and other football tricks.
Modern football is the most advanced, so my vote goes to Guardiola's Barcelona.
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