Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona, El Clasico 2011: Open Thread

It's finally here! The first clasico of the year, as hated rivals FC Barcelona are in Madrid to take on our gladiators in white, Real Madrid CF. We don't know the exact lineups or anything yet (though we have a pretty decent idea that Madrid will be playing some sort of 4-3-3), and neither coach has been interested in giving any hints. But be that as it may!

This is your forum to chat about the upcoming match, both now, during and afterwards. We can all celebrate together, comiserate together, laugh together and cry together--just make sure that you're respectful and polite. We're a classy site, a classy group, and a classy organization: let's show it off. If a Barça-fan troll comes along, just don't respond; if there's someone who wants to actually talk, be civil. Let's put our best face on for the world, no matter the result.

Real Madrid

Keepers: Iker Casillas, Adán and Jesús.

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Raúl Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrão.

Midfielders: Kaká, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Özil, Angel Di María, Nuri Sahin, Hamit Altintop, Callejón, Lass, Esteban Granero and Sami Khedira.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín and Karim Benzema.

FC Barcelona

Keepers: Victor Valdes and Pinto

Defenders: Eric Abidal, Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué, Dani Alves, Fontás and Maxwell

Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, Keita, Thiago, Cesc Fàbregas and Adriano

Forwards: David Villa, Lionel Messi, Pedro, Alexis Sanchez and Isaac Cuenca

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