The two most ballyhooed and historic sides in Spanish soccer (futbol) history battle tonight (or this morning, or this afternoon—depends where you’re tuning in) for the first of four matches in 18 days for the first time in Spanish history.
Barcelona, currently eight-points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga standings, have to be the immediate favorite due to the 5-0 comprehensive beating they put on their Spanish rivals on November 29. The Catalan giants have played the most dominant, consistent football all season and are on track to win their second treble in three seasons. They also face Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday and two meetings in the Champions League on April 26 and May 3.
But don’t count out Jose Mourinho and Los Blancos. It was, after all, Mourinho’s Inter Milan side that knocked Pep Guardiola’s seemingly unbeatable Barcelona side out of the Champions League. Madrid have to had been licking their chops at the thoughts of revenge after their May 29 embarrassment.
How many times will Ronaldo appear to cry? How many outrageous runs will Messi make, or wild shots will David Villa make? How slick of a suit will Guardiola wear?
We’ve got all the updates for you here. (Source)