Spanish Football News Blog

As we close in on arguably the most highly anticipated match in world football, one has to say that there is not nearly as much pressure resting on Barcelona’s shoulders as the prepare to welcome Real Madrid in just over a week's time.

Having won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League to complete an historic 'triplete' whilst doing the double over Los Merengues last season (2-0 at the Camp Nou and the now famous/infamous 6-2 triumph at the Bernabeu) it is fair to say that even though Madrid have spent €254 million to bolster their team this summer, Barca have proven themselves and come into the match as strong and established favourites.

As if the aforementioned results were not enough, Barca currently lead the league (albeit by only a one-point margin over their arch-rivals) and already won two of the six trophies available to them this season by taking home the Spanish and European Supercups. But despite the pedigree, all may not be going swimmingly for the Catalans.

While they remain domineering as ever in La LIga, most recently beating an otherwise competitive Mallorca side 4-2, and comfortable as always in the Copa del Rey (Madrid failed to score the necessary five goals in their second-leg match against Alcorcon; Barcelona scored five in a span of 25 minutes in their match against Cultural Leonesa on their way to winning 7-0 on aggregate), the same sort of success cannot be seen in the Champions League.

Currently in third place in Group F with five points, Barcelona are levelled with second-place Rubin Kazan and one point behind group leaders Inter. For Pep Guardiola’s men, this is unfamiliar territory as, even though they have exhibited thrilling football in their Champions League outings, they have been unable to secure the necessary points to reflect that dominance. These less-than-ideal results now make life a bit more complicated for Barca as we head into the week before El Clasico.

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