la liga 2012-13
It seems that nothing can go wrong for Barcelona these days. Despite a few injuries to key players, the team is undefeated in La Liga this season and is a healthy eight points ahead of their rivals Real Madrid.
After last Sunday's Clasico, it was clear that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only true contenders for the Ballon D'Or 2012. Many expected the rivalry to get a closer look this coming as the two players returned to their national teams to help in the World Cup Qualifiers. However, after one game one player is starting to regain the lead for the best player of the year award.
Brazilian superstar Neymar has promised to stay with Santos until after the 2014 World Cup, but the pressure continues to increase for the 21 year old to run off to Europe.
Barcelona's interest in Brazilian Superstar Neymar is obvious. The Brazilian almost completed a deal to move to Barcelona last year, but claimed that he was not prepared to move to a big club.
As 2012 starts to wind down, the conversation for the Ballon D'Or has commenced. On October 30, a shortlist of 23 players will be placed into contention for the prestigious award handed out to the greatest player in the world. While many would like to throw in players like Iker Casillas and Andres Iniesta into the conversation for their incredible years, there are only two players in contention for this award: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And in light of Sunday's Clasico the choice between the two is even more difficult.
Messi has had the edge over the last few years as Barcelona has been the supreme squad in European soccer, but Ronaldo may be having the best year of his career.
The day that has been long awaited has finally arrived: Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready to renew their rivalry as both squads head into Sunday's match in top form.
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.
We will now look at the Forwards.
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 midfielders.
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.
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 two top keepers in this match.
Real Madrid kept themselves eight points behind rival Barcelona with a dominant 5-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Jose Mourinho has expressed disappointment over his team's poor start to the season. However, they seem to be turning the corning after a 3-2 Champions League win over Manchester City and 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Manager Tito Vilanova's start at Barcelona could not have gotten off to a better start. In five matches, the squad has found a way to win each time even if not playing at their best.
Another wrinkle in the Lionel Messi or Crisitiano Ronaldo debate has been added after the Argentine was awarded the Onze d'Or for the fourth straight year.
