Key occasions
Some studying:
West Ham have taken the lead at Old Trafford. Follow that recreation at the side of the remainder of the early-afternoon motion, right here:
I’ve observed a good bit of Madrid this season, so I wasn’t shocked they had been so ruthlessly undressed through Arsenal. They not have midfielders in a position to regulate a recreation – or not deploy midfielders advised to regulate a recreation – as a substitute kicking about till any person just right does one thing just right, or now not. That’s sufficient to win maximum weeks since the skill is so excessive, however there’s no excuse for the loss of stability and brotherly love.
Madrid also are unchanged following ultimate weekend’s win over Celta Vigo. I’m relieved Ancelotti has in spite of everything stopped losing Fede Valverde at right-back – although he is also a greater one than this model of Lucas Vazquez, his absence from midfield used to be extra keenly felt, particularly in that Arsenal first leg. Otherwise, although, they give the impression of being extraordinarily prone on the again, shorn of Rudiger, Militao, Mendy, Carvajal and Alaba – in contrast model of Barcelona, an excessively vital downside.
Barcelona are unchanged following a brutal 120 mins in San Siro. I assume that makes some sense – Hansi Flick received’t to indicate to any of his gamers that he’s disillusioned in them, and likewise needs to box his first XI. But I’m shocked he’s now not freshened it up just a little, in order that there’s are some legs within the aspect – I assumed this may be an excellent alternative to get Lewandowski going once more, for one.
I’ll write those down, then we’ll believe what they may imply.
Teams!
Barcelona (4-3-3): Szczesny; Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha. Subs: Ter Stegen, Balde, Araujo, Gavi, Lewandowski, Fati, Pena, Christensen, Lopez, Casado, Victor, Fort.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Tchouameni, Fran; Valverde, Ceballos; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe. Subs: Modric, Rodrygo, Lunin, Endrick, Vallejo, Diaz, Yusi, Ramon, Mestre, Munoz.
Preamble
It’s wonderful, given what we learn about soccer – the pettiest life on the earth save govt – that infrequently, we omit there are fall-guys.
We’ve been in raptures those ultimate two-and-a-half weeks, kvelling at all-time nice Champions League tie between Barcelona and Inter; rightly so. But as a result of maximum people are ambivalent as regards who if truth be told received it, as a substitute centring our revel in of looking at it, the doubtless life-altering means through which wonderful victory was – used to be was – devastating defeat, isn’t our preoccupation.
Make no mistake, although, Barca are nurturing a penetrating illness they are going to by no means totally assuage. So the very last thing – however possibly additionally the very first thing – they want this afternoon is the seek advice from of Real Madrid, league identify at the line.
If Barca win lately, they pass seven issues transparent with 3 video games to move, their lead nearly unassailable. But in the event that they lose it’s down to some extent, with an unpleasant run in to return: an away derby, fifth-placed Villarreal at house, Athletic Club away; by the use of distinction, Madrid face Mallorca house, Sevilla away, Sociedad house.
And make no mistake, Carlo Ancelotti’s males know that is their time. They’ll nonetheless be smarting after their very own Champions League go out, overwhelmed house and away through Arsenal, their structural weaknesses paraded in entrance of the arena. Or, in different phrases, their season stands at the cusp of failure – they’ve additionally been walloped 4-0 of their house clásico, however 5-2 within the Supercopa clásico, and ultimate month they had been pipped in overtime of the clásico Copa del Rey ultimate. Not many Real Madrid facets have persevered a season of such a lot of humiliations, by no means thoughts one comprising one of the vital easiest and most costly gamers on this planet. This, although, is their likelihood to avoid wasting themselves – and in the event that they do, this timer you’ll be able to make sure that we received’t overlook the unfathomable distress of the losers.
Kick-off: 4.15pm native, 3.15pm BST