Today in the evening extraordinary matches will be played in the Spanish "Primera" league - Real Madrid and Barcelona will seek to clarify their relationship.
Long-time Barcelona fan and founder of fcbarcelona.lt Rokas Pukinskas agreed to share his thoughts with the portal "Eurofootball.com".
- What does "El Clasico" mean to you?
- I think I won't surprise anyone by saying that it is first and foremost a duel between two main rivals. Historical opponents face each other, two game philosophies, two different traditions. However, this is just the ninth round match of the Spanish championship. The winner of the championship will not be determined now, the positions of both teams will not change in the tournament table. The second "El Clasico" should be more interesting.
- What can we expect from these matches?
- Absolutely anything, but most of all I hope for a real sports competition on the field. You can show principles, you can heat up emotions, but I think that smart fans are tired of it. After all, let's remember the matches of both Barcelona and Real Madrid from last season. It was obvious that the "unhealthy" emotions had subsided. The reason for this? Of course, there is no Jose Mourinho, who should take most of the blame for all the bad things - the clashes between the players of both teams, provocations in the media, etc. Last year it was evident that it was no longer there - the Spaniards playing for Barcelona and Madrid Real explained their relationships without J. Mourinho, and the coaches of the teams - both Carlo Ancelotti and last year's coach of the Catalans Gerardo Martino - are gentlemen. It really felt that way. I believe that is also the case with Luis Enrique, although Madrid has some "complaints" about him. Still, I will repeat - I most want a beautiful sports competition.
- Which team has better chances?
- When two teams of equal strength meet, and Barca and Real Madrid are traditionally said to be such, it is said that the advantage is with the hosts, but "El Clasico" is charming in that it is unpredictable. Last year many thought that the team of the capital of Spain would win in their own field against the Catalans. How did it end, we all remember. I don't think that the advantage of being at home is the decisive factor, well, but if it is, Madrid has bigger chances. By one percent.
- You are a long-time Barcelona fan, when did you see the first "El Clasico"?
- Honestly, I don't remember it. I have watched dozens of Barcelona and Real duels, which I watched and sent just to "restore memory". If I have to name the most memorable duel, I can mention both the matches won by Real and those in which Barca won, but so far nothing compares to Luis Figo's return to Camp Nou and the flight of a roasted and smoked pig's head onto the field.
- Today we will see two of the world's best footballers on the field. How do you think, will these leaders be able to shine?
- Leaders are there to score goals, but L. Messi has been focused on sharing assists lately and he is doing great. I blindly guess that C. Ronaldo will score, and L. Messi will make a pass to Neymar. He will score.
By the way, I don't think it's worth talking about the micro-duel between C. Ronaldo and L. Messi. They are not direct rivals on the field, but the "front" where they compete is just statistics. But even that is interesting.
- Rokas, are you waiting for Luis Suarez's debut and what can we expect from the Uruguayan?
- I would lie if I said I'm not waiting. I'm not a personal fan of this player, but I think that Barcelona knew what they were buying and the team's attack with L. Suarez will gain new colors. I hope for bright and positive things. The truth is, it is now difficult to say what form he will be in after his disqualification. There were observations that he seemed to have gained weight, but I wouldn't consider it a problem. Well-trained athletes get rid of extra kilos quickly, and the disqualification was like extended vacations for L. Suarez.
- Well, what are your predictions?
- A draw, 2:2.
Aivaras Katutis
