Managing Madrid - FC Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid, La Liga 2012: Real Madrid And Barcelona Tie The Game 2-2Dominating European football since March 6th 1902https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50831/mm-fav.png2012-10-08T07:18:20+02:00http://www.managingmadrid.com/rss/stream/32231752012-10-08T07:18:20+02:002012-10-08T07:18:20+02:00Press Voices After The Clasico
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D3E3XyRAHW7KCVMH6nzeubYOIQw=/0x1064:2808x2936/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/926781/153624343.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mourinho said after the game that you can't choose between them and that "I think it should be forbidden to say who the best player in the world because these two are from another planet."</p>
<p>The press would seem to agree. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi match each other in El Clásico with two goals each. Each team now has a draw, a win and a loss each from encounters this season.</p> <p><b>The Press</b></p>
<p>Sid Lowe of <b>The Guardian</b><i> </i><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/oct/07/barcelona-real-madrid-la-liga-report" target="_blank">wrote up the game</a> as a duel between two great players.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ronaldo, Messi; Messi, Ronaldo. First Messi responded to Ronaldo, then Ronaldo responded to Messi. You cannot keep these two down. If <a title="More from guardian.co.uk on Real Madrid" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/realmadrid">Real Madrid</a> versus <a title="More from guardian.co.uk on Barcelona" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/barcelona">Barcelona</a> is the greatest sporting rivalry on earth, it has come to be personified in two of the finest footballers there have been, men who define their clubs and this battle.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Noting that Pedro nearly scored at the death but missed, he writes:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A goal for anyone else would not have seemed right somehow.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Marca's</b> reading of the game is identical (<a href="http://www.marca.com/2012/10/06/en/football/spanish_football/1349555512.html" target="_blank">Messi and Ronaldo Are Made Of Gold</a>) though they also <a href="http://www.marca.com/2012/10/07/en/football/real_madrid/1349643501.html" target="_blank">devote space</a> to Cristiano Ronaldo's unmatched feat of scoring in 6 consecutive meetings between the sides.</p>
<p>As is the same:</p>
<p>In the German press (to provide an example of how uniform the coverage is this morning in Europe) <b>Der Spiegel's</b> headline reads: <i>Remis im Clásico: Ronaldo, Messi, Messi, Ronaldo. </i></p>
<p>Another headline, from popular (if somewhat disreputable) <b>Bild Online</b>: <i>Doppelpacks Der Superstars</i> (Brace of the Superstars).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Players</b></p>
<p><b>Sergio Ramos</b> echoed a second theme of the evening: the closing gap between the teams (who now have two draws, a win each, and a loss each on the balance sheet) and the impression most viewers had that either team could have sentenced the game and that "no one would have been surprised if we had won." He termed the draw "bittersweet" for a team that had come to win and feels it might have.</p>
<p>On his friend and teammate's penalty shout, our second captain appears to have taken Mourinho's line on referees (more on that below):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He is a referee who I like. Özil’s penalty seemed clear, but we are not to a team that enters into debates about referees.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In a humorous exchange with <b>Pepe</b>, a journalist asked him to explain his hard tackles. Pepe demanded the journalist provide an example from the game. The journalist floundered.</p>
<p><b>The Managers</b></p>
<p>The exchange with Pepe provided some additional drama. Here is <b>Tito Vilanova</b>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If Pepe has said that we were theatrical then and all I can say is that you could make a film of all the kicks Pepe gave us tonight.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Since no journalist thought to ask for an example of one of Pepe's kicks or fouls we are unable to tell you if Vilanova could have provided one!</p>
<p>And again, on the subject of the two greatest players in the world:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's incredible that players as good and him and Cristiano have both appeared in the same era. Cristiano would get more recognition if Leo wasn't playing now, but he's had the bad luck of playing in the same era as him.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Jos<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">é</span> Mourinho</b> said the same, and more.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think that the world will be happy because often these matches are too tactical and finish goalless. This match had everything that people like. Those fans that are in different time zones across Europe will have been awake and enjoyed this Clasico a lot and perhaps are already asking for another one in the Cup or the Champions League, if we get through. I think it was a great match and I said so to Vilanova.</p>
<p>For me, the result reflects the match. I, as a coach, I enjoyed it, and I’m sure Vilanova and the players did too. I'll take this outcome. It is a true reflection of the match overall. It was tightly fought and nobody knew what the outcome was going to be until the last minute. There were opportunities to score for both teams.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>He also addressed the ever-present question this week of Mesut <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Ö</span>zil and his performance in two ways.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first involved the playmaker's performance, along with those of the rest of the midfielders, and made reference to the decision to send in Kaká for the final 10 minutes:</p>
<p></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Ö</span>zil provided us with quality and had a great match.<strong><br></strong></p>
<p>He came off of the field because he was exhausted. To play against Barcelona you have to do a good job in midfield because if not it makes it impossible and the three in midfield had fantastic matches...</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The second was rather cheeky, and was a reference to the penalty that might have been. The Special One<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "></span> was in no mood - quite obviously! - to even give the smallest hint about what he thought of the decision:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Real Madrid is a club of gentlemen you can’t speak about the referees. If there is a philosophy to follow then I have to adapt to it and in truth I like it. I'm happy because I like the club, the players, the city and the project. I arrived two years ago and there was a difference in the quality of football between Madrid and Barcelona and now, Barcelona have maintained the high level and both teams are equal. I want to keep going. There are things that can be improved on at Real Madrid, with José Mourinho and in the league. Real Madrid also think the same. I'll take a great match and a good referee, who at one moment in the match made a key mistake, like the players and I also do sometimes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Final Note: Ronaldo's Injury</b></p>
<p>According to the club website, Cristiano Ronaldo has a sprained shoulder and will be undergoing tests over the next few hours to determine the extent of the injury.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/8/3472078/fc-barcelona-realmadrid-liga-2012-pressJ A Marsano2012-10-07T22:51:57+02:002012-10-07T22:51:57+02:00Ronaldo 2-2 Messi: Draw Heard 'Round The World
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r0wPpLT5EOYSqZ975Caa74KoCLI=/0x100:4000x2767/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/898913/153619916.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasper Juinen - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The two greatest teams in the world of football drew the first Clásico of the 2012-2013 Liga BBVA season 2-2. Real Madrid dominated the first half and could've finished off the game then, but Barcelona roared back in the second half of the match. The gap between both teams is still eight points, leaving unfinished business for Madrid in la Liga.</p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">The final score was quite fair. Benzema and Ramos missed two clear scoring chances during the first half, but for Mourinho's team it was all <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. He shot two times and scored on both of them. It's true that <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona's</a> goals came off a Pepe mistake and a good free-kick by Messi, so <i>los blancos</i> might be a little disappointed since they missed the chance of beating a defensive line with Montoya (Alves left the game injured), Adriano, Mascherano and <span>Jordi Alba</span>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">The referee could've sent off <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso" class="sbn-auto-link">Xabi Alonso</a> and Busquets, and he missed a penalty in each box, one to Iniesta and another one to Özil. The German player worked really well to contain Barcelona's midfield, and he also assisted Cristiano Ronaldo on <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid's</a> second goal.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">Real Madrid had three or four players that couldn't get it right, though: Alonso's game with the ball was simply grotesque; Arbeloa and Marcelo couldn't make an impact defensively, and Barcelona attacked through the wings constantly.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">Even though Di María wasn't technically successful, he also helped Real Madrid's midfield a lot. Benzema's case is similar, but the French striker hit the post when he only had to push the ball to the back of the net when Real Madrid was leading 0-1.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">Just after that, Messi was able to score after Pepe didn't clear the danger properly. It was Pepe's only mistake of the night, but it was a big one. He was certainly brilliant for the rest of the match, demonstrating that he's arguably the world's greatest centerback.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">Cristiano Ronaldo injured his shoulder after he tried to strike acrobatically. He finished the game with pain and he even managed to tie the game up after Messi scored Barcelona's second goal off a brilliant free-kick that seemed to be Real Madrid's death knell.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">The Portuguese star has scored in the last six Clásicos, something that should be noted as we dissect the game: still, people keeps saying he doesn't make an impact in the games that matter. He's an historic player that should get the Ballon D'Or if he keeps playing this way over the next couple of months.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">Higuaín, Kaká and Essien replaced Benzema, Özil and Di María late in the second half. Higuaín tested Víctor Valdés, but Barcelona's goalkeeper saved it. Other than that, the Argentinian striker wasn't useful for his team. Kaká worked well defensively, and he even stole the ball from Pedro when the Spanish winger had a chance to shoot from a dangerous position. Unfortunately, Barcelona dominated when the Brazilian playmaker joined the match, so it's hard to qualify his performance. Essien joined the game in injury time.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">After Messi's goal, Barcelona could've won the game. Montoya hit the crossbar in the last five minutes of the match, leaving La Liga alive. As always, both teams are allowed to be disappointed, but Barcelona is probably happier with the draw. But still, there are 31 games to finish the Liga, and eight points is not that big of a gap with 93 points to be played.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">Now, another FIFA break will give Real Madrid some rest. It would be good to see Cristiano Ronaldo recovering from his shoulder injury, but given his commitment with Portugal's National Team, he will probably be on Paulo Bento's squad.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify">One way or another, Real Madrid is back on track. The team is playing well once again, and the players will get a well-deserve rest from Real Madrid's exigent atmosphere.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="justify"><b><i>Like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/managingmadrid" target="_blank">facebook </a>and follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/managingmadrid" target="_blank">twitter </a>to get the latest about this game!</i></b></p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/7/3469996/fc-barcelona-real-madrid-liga-2012-scoreLucas Navarrete2012-10-07T17:59:17+02:002012-10-07T17:59:17+02:00Join Our Debate And See The Official Lineups!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5gLtWVApH1aUS3JpYmEcWxotCo0=/0x110:3057x2148/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/880693/153196837.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasper Juinen - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mourinho and his men are about two hours away from kicking off the first Clásico of the 2012-2013 Liga BBVA season. Gerard Piqué will miss the game, with Adriano taking his spot. Benzema, Özil and Marcelo look on their way to start the game, according to reports.</p> <p align="justify"><strike>Lineups aren't official yet.</strike> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> defender Gerard Piqué will miss the game, and Adriano will take his spot, even though he's far from being a centerback. According to the Spanish press, Benzema Özil and Marcelo are set to start the game, since Mourinho is reportedly going to place his usual 4-2-3-1 on the pitch. <strike>This post will be edited as soon as lineups are official.</strike></p>
<p align="justify"><i><b>Official Lineups:</b></i></p>
<p align="justify"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> Starting XI: </b>Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Alonso, Khedira, Di María, Özil, Ronaldo, Benzema.</p>
<p align="justify">FC Barcelona Starting XI: Valdés, Alves, Mascherano, Adriano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc, Messi and Pedro.</p>
<p align="justify">Feel very welcome to comment on this Clásico with our community. But be respectful with everybody's views and have a "fair play" attitude. After all, this is still October.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/7/3468692/fc-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-la-liga-2012-liveLucas Navarrete2012-10-07T15:02:49+02:002012-10-07T15:02:49+02:00Piqué Out Of El Clásico
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vkuhJUBZVd5U94FYR6pxgVB9xv4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827969/large_managingmadrid.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p align="justify">The Spanish centerback will miss the game, as the club confirmed via Twitter. He tried to be ready for the match against Real Madrid after his injury, but <span>Tito Vilanova</span> decided that it was still too soon for him.</p>
<p align="justify">That means <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> centerbacks will be <span>Alex Song</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>. Both are defensive midfielders that will have the role of being Barcelona's last men before Real Madrid is able to face Víctor Valdés.</p>
<p align="justify">This is something Real Madrid should build on to try to steal the win away from the Camp Nou.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/7/3467972/barcelona-real-madrid-liga-2012-piqueLucas Navarrete2012-10-06T19:24:27+02:002012-10-06T19:24:27+02:00El Clásico Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z87H9RWZEe94-BHspqVaW0jQAjM=/0x172:3048x2204/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/825063/153199001.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasper Juinen - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After more than one month of intense competition, Tito Vilanova's FC Barcelona hasn't drawn or loss a single game. Even though they didn't have a good time while getting the three points at Osasuna, Sevilla and also at the Camp Nou against Spartak Moscow, Messi and his teammates managed to get away with the win. Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of Real Madrid's roster will try to end Barcelona's good streak this Sunday at the Camp Nou (19:50 CET).</p> <p align="justify">Since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> 5-0 win at the Camp Nou in Mourinho's first Clásico, Real Madrid has performed quite well in every match played at that stadium. <i>Los blancos </i>managed to draw or lose by a narrow edge until <a target="_blank" href="http://www.diariodeavisos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/barca-madrid-2.jpg">Cristiano Ronaldo silenced Barcelona's crowd</a> in Real Madrid's 1-2 win to virtually clinch the 2011-2012 Liga BBVA title last April.</p>
<p align="justify">That game showed Mourinho's team was finally ready to take the final step needed to beat Pep Guardiola's team. After that, Barcelona's most successful coach in the history of the club left the team, and President Sandro Rosell decided to put Guardiola's second coach <span>Tito Vilanova</span> at charge. Real Madrid was able to get a 3-2 loss in the first game of the Spanish Supercup to then raise the title at the Santiago Bernabéu with a 2-1 win.</p>
<p align="justify">Even though Barcelona is leading the Liga BBVA table with an 8-point advantage to Real Madrid, they haven't been playing well. Their defensive line appears to be very shaky, and it will be very important to see if Gerard Piqué is finally able to feature, since Puyol has been ruled out after his<a target="_blank" href="http://wa2.cdn.3news.co.nz/3news/AM/2012/10/4/271394/elbow-1200.jpg?width=460"> terrible elbow injury</a>.</p>
<p align="justify">This time, Barcelona has the edge. They could afford to draw the game to keep that 8-point lead while Real Madrid should go for the win to try to cut the lead to just 5 points. It's true that there's a long way to go, as both managers have said many times, but an 11-point advantage for Barcelona could be too much for Real Madrid.</p>
<p align="justify">Mourinho will probably keep the 4-2-3-1 formation he's used in every match but Manchester City's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu a couple of weeks ago. His team is certainly improving, so he might not need to switch to the 4-3-3 formation anymore. Real Madrid's coach was able to rest <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a>, Ángel Di María and Mesut Özil against Ajax Amsterdam. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> played the whole match, but he's been rotating with Gonzalo Higuaín during the Liga, and considering how good the French striker played against Ajax, it will be very hard for Mourinho to leave him on the bench.</p>
<p align="justify">Mesut Özil, Kaká and <span>Luka Modric</span> are competing for just one spot. Real Madrid's number 10 is always one of Real Madrid's best players against Barcelona. Luka Modric is still a long way from being the reinforcement Mourinho was hoping for, but he's had his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3jWOvxF-pg">good moments</a> as well. The Croatian playmaker should be chosen if Real Madrid wants to have a higher possession percentage, since Özil is a little bit best suited for playing with a counterattacking style. Kaká played some good minutes in Madrid's win at the Amsterdam Arena, but that's probably not enough to leave both Özil and Modric on the bench.</p>
<p align="justify">The rest of the team seems pretty much decided. Álvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a> and Marcelo would form Real Madrid's defensive line. Fàbio Coentrao is also ready to feature, but he hasn't played a single game for about one month. In the midfield, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> and Sami Khedira will try to stop Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets from creating good chances for Messi and the rest of Barcelona's strikers. Khedira has had an astonishing start of the season for Real Madrid, giving assists but also defending at a great level. His partnership with Xabi Alonso has been slowly improving week in and week out.</p>
<p align="justify">If Mourinho finally decides to play with a 4-3-3 formation with Khedira, Alonso and Essien, Di María and Ronaldo would be on the wings, since Di María's work-rate is always very important against Barcelona. Mourinho knows this, and that's why he only played Di María 30 minutes in Ajax's feud.</p>
<p align="justify">It will be very important to see how both teams start the game. Barcelona should try to control the game and play with Real Madrid's mind. But if Real Madrid is able to get the lead, it will be very hard for Barcelona to break Mourinho's defensive wall. As Mourinho said in Saturday's press conference, "you never know what's going to happen."</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/6/3464646/barcelona-real-madrid-liga-2012-analysisLucas Navarrete2012-10-06T12:47:13+02:002012-10-06T12:47:13+02:00Mourinho: "You never know what's going to happen"
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vkuhJUBZVd5U94FYR6pxgVB9xv4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827969/large_managingmadrid.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p align="justify">As always, José Mourinho spoke briefly about tomorrow's game against FC Barcelona in Valdebebas' press room. Real Madrid's coach didn't want to unveil his team for tomorrow, but he did say that Higuaín and Benzema won't play together this Clásico, although nobody expected to see both of the strikers on the pitch.</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="justify">I can't tell you whether Modric, Özil or Kaká will feature. I've already told you that Higuaín and Benzema won't play together.</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="justify">The Camp Nou is expected to show a mosaic of Catalunya's flag. The crowd will also chant "Independència" at the 17th minute of each half. Mourinho doesn't want to mix politics with football.</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="justify">For me, it's only about football. I don't want to talk about politics.</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="justify">Real Madrid's coach also dealt with questions about Mesut Özil. The German playmaker has been on the bench in Real Madrid's last few games.</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="justify">I think it is about time to stop making stories about players that are on the bench. My job is to make lineups for every game. Another journalist asked me about him after the game against Ajax, and his question had an answer in it when he said that he was lacking quality and minutes at the same time. I don't want to speak any more about this.</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="justify">Mourinho said his team is ready:</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="justify">I trust my players even during bad moments. They've changed from their poor start of the season and the credit for that goes to them. We're traveling to Barcelona on matchday because that's what they like, but also because we don't need any special motivational speech before these games.</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="justify">There has been some controversy in Spain about the referees after Barcelona's last win against Sevilla.</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="justify">Some things have happened since the season started, but nobody from Real Madrid spoke about it and I'm not going to be the one that changes that.</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="justify"> </p>
<p align="justify">He concluded the press conference by saying that there's a responsibility beneath the <i>Clásicos</i>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="justify">The whole world stops and watches. All three teams, Real Madrid, Barcelona and the referees, need to be responsible.</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="justify"> </p>
<p align="justify"> </p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/6/3463686/jose-mourinho-press--conference-barcelona-liga-2012Lucas Navarrete2012-10-05T08:48:53+02:002012-10-05T08:48:53+02:00Scouting FC Barcelona
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dvK_vrBsT4aXNqTpyWjkVoo4tp4=/5x0:3273x2179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/719443/150991359.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>FC Barcelona is leading La Liga BBVA even though they aren't playing as great under Tito Vilanova as they were doing it with Guardiola. Their only loss of the season was to Real Madrid in the second game of the Spanish Supercup final, but both coaches know that there's a lot more at stake Sunday (19:50 CET) at the Camp Nou.</p> <p align="justify">There are a couple of big differences between Tito's Barcelona and Guardiola's. Tito seems to like a faster tempo, and he is always counting a lot on his wingers (Tello, Pedro and Alexis) to create some space down the field and open up the defensive line of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> rivals.</p>
<p align="justify">They are also having some trouble defending counterattacks. Their defensive transition is not good whatsoever since <span>Alex Song</span> hasn't been playing as well as expected in the centerback position. As a matter of fact, they've been playing with two defensive midfielders in the defensive line: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a> and Song. Gerard Piqué is still recovering from an injury, but even though reports say he's doubtful, the Spanish defender will likely be on the pitch alongside Mascherano, moving Song to the bench.</p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona's new leftback <span>Jordi Alba</span> isn't having a very important role so far. It's true that he's had a very long season playing both the UEFA Eurocup and the Olympic Games, but Tito might also be a little concerned about having two very offensive fullbacks on the pitch at the same time considering how many counterattacks his team has been conceding lately. Adriano was sent off in Bernabéu's Supercup match against Madrid because <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was probably too much for him, so Vilanova will have to make a risky decision for the leftback spot.</p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona's coach has been rotating his players a lot. Iniesta, Xavi and Messi have not been on the pitch together for many minutes this season even though the three are healthy. They will surely feature against Real Madrid.</p>
<p align="justify">The defensive midfielder spot is property of <span>Sergio Busquets</span>. He knows what he has to do in Barcelona's 4-3-3 formation, so it's very unlikely that Song starts this game in his position.</p>
<p align="justify">Tito's real decision will come when he has to choose his wingers. Villa, Alexis, Pedro and Tello are all healthy and competing for just two spots. If Vilanova doesn't want to surprise Mourinho, he will start Pedro and Alexis. That's what everybody's expecting. But Tello is a quick winger that could cause Arbeloa some trouble in Barcelona's left wing. The Spanish defender will be much comfortable defending Villa. He's not physically at his best and is a much slower player than Pedro, Alexis or Tello.</p>
<p align="justify">One way or another, this version of Vilanova's FC Barcelona seems vulnerable. If Madrid is able to play a decent game, Mourinho's team should be capable of creating a couple of really good scoring chances. Then, the game will depend on their accuracy.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/5/3459050/fc-barcelona-scoutingLucas Navarrete