3 months ago Article 97 comments

Barcelona's Predictability: A Tactical Matter

After closely watching Barcelona's shock Champion's League defeat to AC Milan and their decisive setback against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, the question of whether perhaps the more perceptive, tactically astute managers in European football have finally begun to decipher the intricate patterns of Tiki-taka has begun to emerge.

3 months ago Article 48 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Press Review

"Getting the ball to Cristiano when he's in this kind of form is like finding an alligator in the toilet bowl." So says Ray Hudson, broadcaster of BEIN Sport. It was a fine team effort, but some emphasis has still been placed on the individuals in the post-match reviews.

3 months ago Article 81 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Tactical Review

Mourinho's team displayed a beautiful tactical work against Barcelona in Real Madrid's 1-3 win at the Camp Nou. First of all, the Portuguese coach used Di María's workrate to provide yet another defender to his team. Di María played as the team's right back without the ball, and that allowed Arbeloa to track Iniesta down and prevent him from damaging los blancos. But that's just one of the adjustments Mourinho made.

3 months ago Article 143 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Gorgeous Madrid Makes Statement (1-3)

It wasn't the pitch. It wasn't the referee. This match was all about the collective effort and the brilliant performances from Diego López, Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao, Alonso, Khedira, Di María, Özil, Higuaín, Essien, Pepe, Callejón and a superhuman: Cristiano Ronaldo.

3 months ago Article 567 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Match Thread

Everything is ready at the Camp Nou. Official lineups have been released, and the club finally confirmed Arbeloa starts in the right back position.

3 months ago Article 13 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Varane Starts, 'As' Says

Spanish tabloid 'As' has reported that Varane will be starting Tuesday's Clásico against FC Barcelona, leaving either Ramos or Pepe on the bench.

3 months ago Article 1 comment

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Marcelo, Albiol, Out Of the List

Real Madrid's defenders will not be available for Jose Mourinho in Tuesday's Clásico against FC Barcelona. Raúl Albiol is still recovering from fly symptoms while Marcelo isn't game-fit yet. That way, the Brazilian left back won't likely be available to play at the Old Trafford neither.

3 months ago Article 84 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: Mourinho's Options

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho might still be wondering whether he should play offensively against FC Barcelona or not. It's true that his team needs to score at least one goal, but preventing Barcelona from scoring would also be important, as Cristiano Ronaldo has proven he can score at anytime. So, with that in mind, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1?

3 months ago Article 82 comments

FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2013: The Match That Could Define a Season

Real Madrid and Barcelona go face to face this Tuesday (21:00 CET) in a game that could define Real's 2012-2013 season. If los blancos manage to get through and play the Copa del Rey Final against either Atlético or Sevilla, the gained momentum could carry on for next week's crucial match at the Old Trafford against Manchester United. The opposite thing could happen if Barcelona holds on the advantage they have after the 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu.

3 months ago Article 81 comments

Scouting FC Barcelona, Copa del Rey Edition: Villa To Return?

Madrid will play Barcelona twice this week. With selection problems and a Champions League campaign unexpectedly on the brink, Barcelona can be expected to bring David Villa back to the fore.

3 months ago Article 29 comments

Xabi Alonso And Karim Benzema Rejoin The Squad

Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema took part on Real Madrid's training session this Sunday. Both of them were out of the squad for two weeks, but they are currently regaining form and getting ready to play against Barcelona and Manchester United.