The Clasico is upon us as this Sunday as Real Madrid and Barcelona take each other in the first official match of the 2012-13 season. They played earlier in the season in the Spanish super cup and split two one goal decisions, but Real Madrid won the Cup after scoring more away goals than their rivals. As we head into the Sunday bout, we will preview the two sides at every position to determine which squad has been better and has a greater chance at winning going into Sunday's match.
Today we will compare the team's defenders.
Barcelona
The injuries to Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol has created a huge void for Barca as they are the pulse of the squad. Tito Vilanova has thus been forced to playing with three at the back and placing Alex Song and Javier Mascherano in positions that are not their natural fit. It is not a surprise that the team has conceded more goals of late with two coming after defensive lapses against a very competent Sevilla squad. They didn't give up a goal against Benfica but looked extremely vulnerable on the back end with Mascherano being the worst of them. More importantly, this squad has already conceded four goals to Real Madrid with Pique in the lineup and this could be a major factor against them on Sunday (especially with Madrid coming off a tremendous 5 goal effort against Osasuna and another four against Ajax). Puyol was supposed to be back in the mix, but a new injury will continue to leave the susceptible Barcelona defense lacking.
Since 2008, the Barcelona defense has only allowed six goals against Real Madrid in League Play, an incredibly impressive figure considering the fact that Madrid has such weapons as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzlo Higuain, and Anger Di Maria.
Real Madrid
After a dismal start to the 2012-13 season, the Merengues seem to be back in business both defensively. The squad has only conceded twice since their Champions League turnaround and has looked steady on the back end with only allowed five shots on goal in their two La Liga wins. This squad's defense is not suffering from the injuries plaguing Barca which should work to their advantage.
In matches against Barcelona since 2008 however, the Real Madrid defense has been woeful at best as they have allowed 21 goals in nine matches includes a 6-2 loss in May 2009 and a 5-0 loss in November 2010. Obviously the personnel is different but this squad has a problem with Barcelona's potent offense.
Edge: It's about even. Barca would win this but injuries have made them susceptible.
To find out which squad has a better keeper, click HERE.
Which club has better Strikers? Who wins the Messi Ronalod battle? Find out HERE.
Find out who has the better midfield HERE.