Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off in the most hotly anticipated match of the season Saturday.
A year ago, both teams entered the first Clasico of the season in completely different positions. Madrid was engaged in tremendous turmoil in what turned out to be a trophyless season. Barcelona was in tip-top form but its season ended anticlimactically. Barcelona also failed to pick up a win in either of the regular season Clasicos; they tied 2-2 at the Camp Nou and Madrid won 2-1 at home. The teams faced off in the Spanish Super Cup last year. Barca won 3-2 at home but Madrid won 2-1 at home and reigned victorious. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey while Madrid took home a 3-1 victory in the second leg.
Ronaldo and company enter the game with seven wins, one draw, and one loss while Barcelona is only three points better with eight wins and one draw. Madrid struggled a few weeks ago but has found its offensive touch while Barcelona is plagued by offensive problems despite the return of its iconic star.
There is a great amount of concern over the form of Messi as the Argentine has struggled with a thigh injury throughout the start of the season. He scored against AC Milan on Tuesday, but was largely ineffective as the game wore on.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is off to a great start with eight goals in the Spanish League and seven Champions League tallies. Messi is currently tied with Alfredo Di Stefano for most goals in the Clasico; both have scored 18. Ronaldo sits in seventh with 12 goals; judging from his production this year, he could certainly jump up the ranks in a hurry.
The other major question will be about which goaltender starts for Madrid. Diego Lopez is slated to be the man in the pipes for all Spanish League games, but Iker Casillas has 34 appearances in the competition.
Barcelona has won 105, drawn 58 and lost 94 times in the Clasico. Blaugrana has also scored 444 goals to Madrid's 420.
Prediction: The teams draw 2-2.
Start Time: 12 p.m. EST
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