Last Wednesday’s night game produced another fine contest between the two sides and it was Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo that struck first. A beautifully weighted ball from in-form striker Karim Benzema found the Portuguese winger in space and the 2010-11 Pichichi winner eased past Piqué to put Real ahead.
Madrid played well but the constant domination and pressure from Barcelona eventually led to the equaliser. Madrid defender Pepe was left ball watching as Puyol scored a diving header to level the scores just before half time.
Another unlikely candidate was on the score sheet for Barcelona later on in the game. Left back Éric Abidal found space in Madrid’s box and slotted the ball past Casillas to make the score 2-1. The Catalans defended the lead well and earned a one goal advantage at the half way stage of the tie.
The game was somewhat soured by the actions of Pepe. Faking hits to the face and intentionally stamping on Lionel Messi’s hand caused the Spanish press to turn against him. Labelling him as undeserving of the Real Madrid shirt. Madrid boss Mourinho defended the player but the Spanish newspaper Marca reported earlier this week of a fall out between Mourinho and his players. In particular Sergio Ramos, who allegedly asked what does Mourinho know about tactics if he has never played the game at the highest level.
Barcelona will be hoping to capitalise on this fragility when the two sides meet mid-week. Both sides performed excellently again at the weekend. 4-1 score lines in both Barça’s and Madrid’s favour. Out of the top two goal scorers in the league, Messi was the most clinical at the weekend. Scoring three goals from open play whilst Ronaldo converted two both from the penalty spot. Ronaldo still tops the Pichichi table but his lead has been reduced to one.
Madrid’s La Liga point advantage remains at five as we start the second half of the season but this Copa del Rey match provides Barcelona with the perfect chance to unsettle the Madrid based outfit. Guardiola’s men go into the game with 6/10 odds of winning the game and full of confidence after producing a fine display in the first leg. Madrid will have to win by three goals or more if they are to remain in the competition. A tough task as Barcelona have only conceded two goals in the league at home all season. Plus with the reports of unsettlement in Madrid, Mourinho will have to work up some managerial magic if his side are to win.
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