Spanish Supercopa preview: Another day, another Clásico…

By: Natasha | August 28th, 2012

Ah, memories! Just like it was yesterday...well...last year.

Ah, memories! Feels like it was yesterday...well...last year.

Yep, the second Clásico of the season is here (how time flies….or not) and this will decide the winner of the elite and desired Spanish Supercopa trophy. As you probably know, Barça are heading into the tie ahead and the scoreline is sitting at 3-2.

The match you have all been waiting for (I know, like I say, this is a very important trophy…!) is upon us! I still don’t know why it must be dragged out in a two-legged affair, but it is. Anyway, it’s almost over and soon we can go back to worrying about other things. Like the Liga Clásico!

Surprisingly, almost all our players are fit. Puyol is obviously still suffering from a broken cheekbone, but you know that isn’t going to stop him. As a result of having fit players for once, predicting the lineup is a difficult task because wait, we have more than one available player per position now?! What is this Madness! But for my predicted lineup I’ll go with VV – Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano – Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta – Alexis, Messi, Pedro.

I think we’ll see Adriano start, purely because that’s what happened in the last leg. There’s some insight for you. No, but really, I don’t think Tito will start Jordi Alba in a Clásico yet. Pedro is more likely to start over Tello for the same reason. Puyol is training with the team and I do believe he’s available, but I don’t think Tito will risk him. Try telling that to Puyi, though. Isn’t it great when we don’t go into panic mode when one of our CBs is injured? We are living in changed times! As for Afellay, JDS and Fontas…they probably won’t travel with the team to Madrid. Sigh.

If the last match has set the benchmark, then I’m hoping this leg will be a fairly clean match. I don’t know if Pepe will be included in Real Madrid’s squad (can you tell I care?) but if he is, then you may as well abandon all hope that it’ll be a clean match. Madrid will be playing to win and as they’re playing at home, it won’t be easy for Barça. But look at the match against Osasuna! Apparently Barça like making things difficult for themselves…

Real Madrid’s new recruit, Luka Modric, may make an appearance. Good player, of course, but if he does play, I’m not sure how much of a threat he’ll be. He’s not had a chance to really train with his new team or adapt to their system. And of course I’ll say that and he’ll end up owning the match. Sorry. As for us, depending on what the scoreline is, we could see Alex Song play out the last 10 minutes of the second half. Talk about a baptism of fire. If, like Sunday’s match, the scoreline is in Madrid’s favour, then forget about it. If that’s the case, we’ll likely see Villa replace Pedro. I’d like Villa to start over Alexis (MVP!!!!!) but doubt he’s 100% match fit yet. When he is, Alexis will have some serious competition unless he steps it up.

As for Messi, who knows? I’m hoping he’ll show up and be his usual outstanding self and we’ll wonder why on earth we criticized his performances during the last few games in the first place. But this is Messi. On his “bad days”, he still manages to win the match for Barça. Pretty unbelievable.

Exclusive! This is the cup that will be awarded to the winning side. Keep it quiet though. I don't wanna ruin the surprise for anyone.

Obviously I want Barça to win this (or do I? Mwuahaha! Alright, yes, I do) and I think they will. We’re going into this on the back of three consecutive wins, whereas Madrid are going in on one draw and two losses. Now maybe this will make Madrid play harder and they do have the home advantage. Barça have the advantage in terms of the scoreline, and that’s something that’s concrete. I will say the final score will be 1-2 to Barça. Messi will probably score both. Expect Madrid to score off a set piece. Why break the habit now?!

And there you have it. The Bernabéu awaits! Aren’t we lucky…

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_Lily

That was painful.

The positives of the game: Pedro and Pique. They appear to be back. Unfortunately, even Pedro and Pique at their best cannot do everyone's job for them. Oh, and Valdes had some good saves.

Iniesta, Messi, and Alba occasionally contributed. Occasionally. Everyone else was invisible and terrible throughout. Song did more in 15 minutes than most of the players on the pitch did in 90.

At least it was civil, though.
Una

I just pray to Jesus Alexis won't start. Unless it all goes tits up with Tello and Pedro, I can't bear seeing him not only be useless but dive his backside off. That being said he still is quite talented and his pace could destabilise Pepe. We know in advance that RM will play dirty and also that Cristiano Ronaldo will most likely score. Our only hope is that Pique continues his amazing form and Messi also finds his goal-scoring inspiration.
min89

I hope Pablo plays instead of Pepe. He's much nicer and doesn't try to hurt the opponent.
_Lily

3-1 to Barcelona. Messi will score off a trademark run, and then Mascherano and Busquets will add another two. When Busi scores, we will all be terrified because look what's happened the last few times he's scored, but there's no need to worry - Madrid's only goal will be a Casillas header in the 93', which might make Casillas the first keeper ever to score in a clasico. I'm not sure. I can't be bothered to look it up.

Oh, and Ramos, Casillas, and Arbeloa will take Pique, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc, and Alba out to ice cream as congratulations - it's just a silly plastic cup, after all, and the goodwill among all the Spanish athletes from the Euro won't wear off until October. Busi will be excluded because of his goal, though. They're not feeling that generous.
A Little Ray of Hope

0-2 with Alves scoring one :P