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Football fans on Saturday saw the first "El Clasico" - the Spanish championship match between Madrid and it ended in a 1-1 draw.
On Wednesday, the teams will face another challenge - the King's Cup final in Valencia. Before this match, football analyst Gabriel Roberts analyzed what we could learn from the first match and what to expect in the second match.
1. Real Madrid will defend.
Perhaps such a statement sounds too mild. In the first match, coach Jose Mourinho sat attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil, who showed good sporting form, on the bench and placed the nominal midfielder Pepe in the midfield.
Pepe formed a powerful defensive trio with Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira, so Barcelona's attacks were often not as easy as we are used to seeing.
It is likely that Mourinho will continue to use this strategy, acknowledging that even the star-studded Real Madrid cannot compete with Barcelona in an open game.
2. Barcelona will control the ball.
Although teams like Valencia caused problems for Barcelona with pressure and disrupted ball control, Real Madrid does not seem to intend to do the same.
From the beginning of the match, the Madrid team gave up the initiative and allowed Barcelona to play with the ball. Therefore, it is not surprising that at one point in the first half, Pep Guardiola's team controlled the ball 81% of the time.
3. Messi will score goals.
Barcelona's leader participated in almost every dangerous attack and scored a penalty from 11 meters.
Although Pepe watched him as closely as possible, it is probably impossible to completely stop the Argentine. Therefore, it can be expected that with the initiative in their hands, the Catalans will create opportunities for their star.
4. The referee will have a lot of tough work.
The passion in these club matches is simply boiling. In the first and perhaps the least significant of the four "El Clasicos," the referee showed eight yellow cards and one red.
Will we always see 11 players against 11? Perhaps the expulsion of Raul Albiol from the field will not be the only case.
5. "El Kaiser" returns.
Gerard Pique played a great match against Real. The defender neutralized several dangerous passes from the sides and resisted fast attackers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria.
It was rumored that the new love of the Spaniard, Shakira, could harm his game, but on Saturday there were no signs of that. Unfortunately, he will not be able to play in the King's Cup final due to a silly yellow card he received.
6. Barcelona is vulnerable in set-piece situations.
Despite the defensive plan, Real Madrid had several corner kicks and opportunities for dangerous free kicks. It was in these episodes that Barcelona looked the most vulnerable.
The Madrid team has athletic players like C.Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Emmanuel Adebayor, so the threat from set-piece situations will be huge. And what about the virtuoso penalty kicks of the Portuguese - Barcelona's goalpost certainly felt their power.
If Real Madrid wins, it is likely that these episodes will determine the outcome.
7. Real Madrid is still a "work in progress" team.
Madrid club has undergone significant changes in recent years, so it is natural that the team has not yet achieved its best team play. And time is also lacking for Jose Mourinho, who is coaching the first season.
On the field, there is probably still one missing general - goalkeeper Iker Casillas is not enough. There are many great footballers worthy of the name "Galacticos," but there is still a need to regulate a huge talent and ego.
8. Barcelona's defensive line is weakening.
The return of Carles Puyol was a real godsend without which Barcelona might have lost on Saturday. On Wednesday, Pique will not play due to yellow cards, so Guardiola will have to rely on the less reliable Gabi Milito or move Busquets back to the defensive line.
It is still unclear whether Puyol himself will be able to appear, and losing two main center-backs, Barcelona is likely to face significant problems.
9. Barcelona forward David Villa does not show good game.
The Spanish national team member earned a penalty from 11 meters, but overall played sluggishly. His shots missed the target, many balls were lost, and once he unsuccessfully attempted to pass the ball directly to three Real Madrid defenders.
Despite the occasional good play, Villa is not as useful to the Barcelona team as before. Saturday was one of his worst games this season.
He should attack more often from the sides, shoot more accurately, and demonstrate goal-scoring instincts.
10. Barcelona is stronger.
On Saturday, Barcelona absolutely dominated from the first to the last minute. Real Madrid focused more on tactics, while Catalans played football.
Guardiola's plan has not changed throughout the season: keep the ball, help teammates, and return to defense on time.
Currently, Barcelona looks truly stronger. The style of play is perfected, the players unanimously support it and know where they need to be. The players love the club, each other, and are an exceptional team in every sense.
However, the best team does not always win. Barcelona may be stronger, but Real Madrid proved on Saturday that they can win.
