FC Barcelona hosts Real Madrid this Sunday evening (9 p.m.). An explosive poster in more ways than one.
For two hours, time will be suspended. At least, for the world of football, which will vibrate to the rhythm of the technical fantasies of artists such as Gavi, Pedri – if he is not out -, Vinicius Jr or Karim Benzema. Because this Sunday evening, at 9 p.m., FC Barcelona welcomes Real Madrid at the end of the 26th day of LaLiga. A poster always apart, as Omar da Fonseca indicates: “It’s more than three points. There is an adversity, an animosity, a preparation, an atmosphere in the city before and after. It’s a match that we expect, which creates envy. It goes beyond borders”, illuminates the Figaro the consultant of beIN SPORTS , broadcaster of the Spanish championship. And this Clasico, already the third of the season, promises to be even more special due to the context in which it is presented.
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Crucial in the title race
For the moment, the Catalan club, leader of LaLiga, has a good lead over its Sunday opponent… but not irretrievable: nine points. So the meeting could be crucial in the title race. From one side to the other. If the Blaugrana win, and with a good lead, “the title will almost be played“says Omar da Fonseca. Before specifying:Because there will be twelve points difference, even thirteen with the particular goal difference. If FC Barcelona wins, LaLiga will not be folded but not far; the festivities can begin, at the beach, in Barcelona.»
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On the other hand, if it is the Madrid formation that wins, everything could be relaunched since it would come back to only six units: “I think he might come back. Because victories are aphrodisiacs, they create energy. If Real Madrid get closer, it could give interest, it could create pressure on FC Barcelona which could arouse fear», Details the consultant of beIN SPORTS, which broadcasts the match this Sunday evening. If successful, Real Madrid would have all the more reason to believe in a return to the standings as FC Barcelona has a rather difficult schedule with still confrontations against Atlético Madrid, Real Betis Balompié and Real Sociedad . The fact remains that in this Clasico, “the weight of the result belongsto Karim Benzema and his teammates since they need to win to hope to retain their title.
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A last (very) tense Clasico and new tensions
This Clasico also has a special flavor due to the recent history between the two teams. At the beginning of March, Blaugrana and Merengue faced each other in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. A match that caused a lot of ink to flow. Not for the spectacle offered on the lawn – victory for FC Barcelona by the smallest of marks (0-1) – but for all the provocations, on both sides, which have enamelled the ninety minutes. In particular, we saw Vinicius JR try his hand at judo on Frenkie de Jong, this same Vinicius JR and Gavi insulting each other on several occasions – the Barcelonan even insulting the Brazilian of “son of ….– and Xavi Hernández lashing out at Daniel Carvajal, calling him “fool“Following a clash between the defender and Alejandro Baldé. An electric meeting of which some traces could remain this Sunday.
Vinicius Jr and Frenkie de Jong. Senis Onion / ALFAQUI
But this climate of tension, which is characteristic of the Clasico – and matches between rival teams in general – is not limited to the pitch. It also feels outside. As proof, according to the revelations of the Spanish press, the Barcelona president Joan Laporta “would seriously considerto cancel the traditional meal with his Madrid counterpart. The reason ? Real Madrid’s willingness to be part of the proceedings in the Negreira case – the potential referee bribery scandal that is rocking Spanish football and particularly FCB – as “injured party”, which is similar, in French law, to the constitution in civil action. Suffice to say that it will be hot on all floors this Sunday evening. But also freezing.