- El Clasico: More Than a Game
Barcelona and Real Madrid comprise el Clasico, one of the biggest and oldest rivalries in the footballing universe. Like all good rivalries it is contentious, entertaining and full of passion, but what sets it apart from the crowd is the sheer size of what's at stake. Their games often decide league titles; their results often decide their seasons. There's more than just bragging rights at play. We sized up their likely starting XIs and key subs to give you a look inside this storied match. We even tried to predict the outcome based on how these teams stack up. Game on.
GoalkeeperIker CasillasAGE: 33 • KEY STAT: This will be his 35th Clasico • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)One of Spain's all-time great goalkeepers endured a long season of playing second fiddle to Diego Lopez last season. Some memorable recent errors hint at his decline. Can he hold firm?
Claudio BravoAGE: 31 • KEY STAT: Has yet to concede a goal in La Liga this season (743 minutes, a record) • TRANSFER FEE: €12M ($15.3M), 2014Signed to replace the released Victor Valdes, the Chilean has sustained his fine World Cup form. Sharp reflexes and assertiveness mask any shot-stopping weaknesses.
GoalkeeperDefendersMarceloAGE: 26 • KEY STAT: Had 6 assists in La Liga in 2013-14 ... the most of any defender. • TRANSFER FEE: €6.5M ($8.3M), 2007Aggressive, feisty and rarely afraid of confrontation, the Brazilian left-back is at ease agitating Barcelona's front three. Loves to take on his opposite man on the dribble, but weak in the air.
Dani AlvesAGE: 31 • KEY STAT: Has assisted more Lionel Messi goals (37) than any other player • TRANSFER FEE: €35.5M ($45.3M), 2008The cornerstone of Barca's speedy counterattack, Alves provides indefatigable energy and passion from his full-back perch. He's lost a step in recent years but remains a credible threat.
Sergio RamosAGE: 28 • KEY STAT: Of his 19 red cards for Real Madrid, three have come vs. Barcelona • TRANSFER FEE: €27M ($34.6M), 2005Imposing and physical, Ramos sets the tone and tenor of Real's defensive play. Prone to own goals and red cards but atones with forceful aerial presence on set pieces.
Javier MascheranoAGE: 30 • KEY STAT: 82 interceptions in 2013-14 La Liga • TRANSFER FEE: €20M ($25.5M), 2010Converted midfielder after various injury issues in central defense. Brings tenacity, organization and vision to the Barca back line.
Raphael VaraneAGE: 21 • KEY STAT: In contrast to Ramos, Varane has fewer yellow cards (three) than trophies (five) at RM • TRANSFER FEE: €10M ($12.8M), 2011Young French defender who has risen sharply since Jose Mourinho recruited him in 2011. Serene, calming influence beyond his years.
Gerard PiqueAGE: 27 • KEY STAT: Completed 90% of his passes in La Liga, 2013-14 • TRANSFER FEE: €5M ($6.4M), 2008A solid one-on-one defender, has been slowed by injuries in recent seasons but remains the anchor at the back. Superb passing range makes him useful in starting attacks.
Daniel CarvajalAGE: 22 • KEY STAT: Committed 48 fouls in 31 La Liga games in 2013-14 • TRANSFER FEE: €6.5M ($8.3M), 2013Highly touted right-back brought back to the Bernabeu after developing at Bayer Leverkusen. Solid, quick-thinking and confident on both sides of the ball.
Jordi AlbaAGE: 25 • KEY STAT: Averaged 1.2 key passes per league game in 2013-14 and had two assists • TRANSFER FEE: €14M ($17.9M), 2012What to watch: Burst onto the scene as a counterattacking full-back always eager to overlap and provide width. Lacks assertiveness against more physical teams.
DefendersMidfieldersJames RodriguezAGE: 23 • KEY STAT: Created 84 chances in Ligue 1, 2013-14. Bale/Ronaldo created 88 combined in La Liga • TRANSFER FEE: €80M ($102.2M), 2014In the absence of Gareth Bale, should be afforded the opportunity to push forward into the role that saw him lead the World Cup in scoring with six goals. A tireless worker who can link midfield and attack and play wide or narrow.
Ivan RakiticAGE: 26 • KEY STAT: One of only 5 players in La Liga in 2013-14 to reach double digits in both goals (12) and assists (10). Messi, Alexis Sanchez, Bale and Vela were the others. • TRANSFER FEE: €18M ($23M), 2014New arrival from Sevilla is the assumed heir to Xavi's throne as the main creator in midfield. Lacks the artistry of the Barca great but has served a valuable two-way role so far this season.
Luka ModricAGE: 29 • KEY STAT: Ranked 4th on Madrid in chances created with 50 ... more than both Ronaldo (48) and Bale (40) • TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2012Endlessly creative, Modric is the metronome around which Real operate. Sets the tempo and dictates the play with his passing. Lacks the strength to play effectively in defensive midfield.
Sergio BusquetsAGE: 26 • KEY STAT: Led La Liga in 2013-14 with 92.4% passing accuracy (min. 100 passes) • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)The enforcer in the heart of midfield. Fans may not always like his disruptive, occasionally dirty style of play, but it is vital in Barca's pursuit of possession. He's quite composed on the ball, too.
Toni KroosAGE: 24 • KEY STAT: 2nd in the Bundesliga in passes completed with 2048 • TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2014Intelligent, sharp and tireless, the German arrived this summer to solve Real's lack of depth in midfield. Very technical on the ball, capable of sitting deep or pushing up to start attacks.
Andres IniestaAGE: 30 • KEY STAT: Barca (45-5-0) and Spain (10-1-0) have yet to lose a game in which Iniesta has scored • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)Synonymous with tiki-taka and comfortable either in central midfield or wide attack in support of Messi, the combative playmaker is a valuable asset for Luis Enrique.
MidfieldersForwardsCristiano RonaldoAGE: 29 • KEY STAT: Scored in six straight Clasicos (seven goals) between the 2011-13 seasons • TRANSFER FEE: €94M ($120M), 2009Arguably the world's best player right now. Contributes plenty of goals -- he has 15 in seven league games so far this season -- and assists and is impossible to keep quiet.
Luis SuarezAGE: 27 • KEY STAT: Scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool (31) in 2013-14 than Norwich City (28) • TRANSFER FEE: €81M ($103), 2014How will he fare after a four-month suspension from competitive football? His temper is offset by a relentless desire to win. Work rate (if fully fit) from the front should keep Real on the back foot.
Karim BenzemaAGE: 26 • KEY STAT: Assisted 24 goals for Ronaldo, second most since the Portuguese star arrived • TRANSFER FEE: €35M ($44.7M), 2009Often criticized for his "lack" of goals compared to Bale and Ronaldo, the Frenchman is the perfect foil in Real's attack. Off-the-ball movement opens room for teammates, while his finishing remains valuable.
Lionel MessiAGE: 27 • KEY STAT: Leads all players with 21 goals in Clasicos • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)Has adjusted to a better-rounded role in 2014, free of the burden to be Barca's creator and finisher. Pace, vision, agility, finishing (with either foot): the total package.
IscoAGE: 22 • KEY STAT: Created 70 chances for RM in 32 La Liga games last season, eighth best overall • TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2013An elegant playmaker who offers a contrast to the bombast and direct running of James. Lacks the requisite work rate of Modric or Kroos but has shone previously in big games, such as the 2014 Copa del Rey final.
NeymarAGE: 22 • KEY STAT: Already Brazil's fifth-highest scorer of all time (40 in 58 games) • TRANSFER FEE: €57.1M ($73M), 2013Maturing nicely at Barcelona, boasts plenty of quality and scoring prowess yet at ease being the second fiddle to Messi or any teammate in a better position.
ForwardsSubstitutesPepeAGE: 31 • KEY STAT: Blocked 25 shots in 2013-14 La Liga season, eighth-best overall • TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2007The butt of many jokes given his overly physical (some might say comic) approach to defending, Pepe can comfortably harass, unnerve and unsettle Barca's attackers.
Jeremy MathieuAGE: 30 • KEY STAT: Led Valencia last season in interceptions with 80 and shots blocked with 20 . • TRANSFER FEE: €20M ($25.5M), 2014The towering central defender was signed this summer ahead of Barca's transfer ban and featured prominently in a string of league clean sheets. An aggressive and experienced option.
Sami KhediraAGE: 27 • KEY STAT: Missed World Cup final through injury and has made just two appearances as substitute this season. • TRANSFER FEE: €14M ($17.9M), 2010A steady two-way midfielder who is comfortable in possession and puts in the hard yards from a defensive point of view. Will add solidity to complement Madrid's flair.
Munir El HaddadiAGE: 19 • KEY STAT: Scored his first Barca goal 46 minutes into his debut (Aug. 24, 2014 vs. Elche) • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)The latest product of La Masia, Munir has been a catalyst off the bench playing wide in support of Messi. A speedy, clever player well-drilled in the Barca mode.
Asier IllarramendiAGE: 24 • KEY STAT: Was 3rd best on Madrid with a 72.4 aerial % (aerials won/aerial duels) in 2013-14 • TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2013Signed to provide added ballast in defensive midfield, he has struggled to get regular playing time. A capable, conservative option should Real look to shut the game down.
XaviAGE: 34 • KEY STAT: Leads all active players with 40 Clasico appearances • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)The grand master of midfielders, Xavi epitomized and defined Barca's sharp, relentless style. Has lost form and pace as he's aged but his connection with Busquets and Iniesta make him an intriguing wild card here.
Chicharito HernandezAGE: 26 • KEY STAT: Has scored two goals from three shots on goal in all competitions this season • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (season-long loan)The Mexican striker struggled to assert himself at Manchester United but the consummate goal poacher is the perfect catalyst should Real struggle in the second half.
Pedro RodriguezAGE: 27 • KEY STAT: 19 goals, 8 assists in all competitions in 2013-14 • TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)An effective, reliable foil to Messi up front. Comfortable in either wide attacking berth, his pace and off-the-ball runs make him valuable in breaking open stubborn opponents. Not the most reliable in front of goal.
SubstitutesAdvantage: Real MadridBarcelona have more reliability -- Xavi is still a midfield master and Pedro understands the system better than anyone, for example -- but, in terms of game changers, Real excel. Hernandez is one of the best supersubs around while Illarramendi often performs better from the bench. Pepe is an impact player because of his raw physicality and Khedira can boost energy levels.
ManagersCarlo AncelottiAGE: 55 • Salary: €7.5M per year ($9.6M, estimated)Has won three European Cup/Champions Leagues as manager (2x Milan, 1x Real Madrid), two as player (AC Milan).
Luis EnriqueAGE: 44 • Salary: unknownPlayed in the Clasico for both clubs and defeated Real Madrid 2-0 as Celta Vigo manager in 2013-14, ending RM's La Liga chase.
ManagersAdvantage: Real MadridYou can't argue with Luis Enrique's league record at Barcelona so far: seven wins, one draw, no goals conceded. He's a perfect fit for the club yet even he wouldn't put himself in a bracket alongside Carlo Ancelotti just yet. However, the Real boss' Ancelotti's league-winning record is relatively unspectacular even though he's unquestionably one of the giants of this era.
Who Will Win?
El Clasico. More Than A Game
BY MICHAEL COXILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBB HArskampBarcelona and Real Madrid comprise el Clasico, one of the biggest and oldest rivalries in the footballing universe. Like all good rivalries it is contentious, entertaining and full of passion, but what sets it apart from the crowd is the sheer size of what's at stake. Their games often decide league titles; their results often decide their seasons. There's more than just bragging rights at play. We sized up their likely starting XIs and key subs to give you a look inside this storied match. And, with Michael Cox's help, we even tried to predict the outcome based on how these teams stack up. Game on.
Goalkeepers
Iker CasillasAGE: 33TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)KEY STAT: This will be his 35th ClasicoOne of Spain's all-time great goalkeepers endured a long season of playing second fiddle to Diego Lopez in 2013-14. Some memorable recent errors hint at his decline. Can he hold firm?
Claudio BravoAGE: 31KEY STAT: Has yet to concede a goal in La Liga this season (743 minutes, a record)
TRANSFER FEE: €12M ($15.3M), 2014Signed to replace the released Victor Valdes, the Chilean has sustained his fine World Cup form. Sharp reflexes and assertiveness mask any shot-stopping weaknesses.
Defenders
MarceloAGE: 26KEY STAT: Had 6 assists in La Liga in 2013-14 ... the most of any defender.TRANSFER FEE: €6.5M ($8.3M), 2007Aggressive, feisty and rarely afraid of confrontation, the Brazilian left-back is at ease agitating Barcelona's front three. Loves to take on his opposite man on the dribble but weak in the air.
Sergio RamosAGE: 28KEY STAT: Of his 19 red cards for Real Madrid, three have come vs. BarcelonaTRANSFER FEE: €27M ($34.6M), 2005: Imposing and physical, Ramos sets the tone and tenor of Real's defensive play. Prone to own goals and red cards but atones with forceful aerial presence on set pieces.
Raphael VaraneAGE: 21KEY STAT: In contrast to Ramos, Varane has fewer yellow cards (three) than trophies (five) at RMTRANSFER FEE: €10M ($12.8M), 2011Young French defender who has risen sharply since Jose Mourinho recruited him in 2011. Serene, calming influence beyond his years.
Daniel CarvajalAGE: 22KEY STAT: Committed 48 fouls in 31 La Liga games in 2013-14TRANSFER FEE: €6.5M ($8.3M), 2013Highly touted right-back brought back to the Bernabeu after developing at Bayer Leverkusen. Solid, quick-thinking and confident on both sides of the ball.
Dani AlvesAGE: 31KEY STAT: Has assisted more Lionel Messi goals (37) than any other playerTRANSFER FEE: €35.5M ($45.3M), 2008The cornerstone of Barca's speedy counterattack, Alves provides indefatigable energy and passion from his full-back perch. He's lost a step in recent years but remains a credible threat.
Javier MascheranoAGE: 30KEY STAT: 82 interceptions in 2013-14 La LigaTRANSFER FEE: €20M ($25.5M), 2010Converted midfielder after various injury issues in central defense. Brings tenacity, organization and vision to the Barca back line.
Gerard PiqueAGE: 27KEY STAT: Completed 90% of his passes in La Liga, 2013-14TRANSFER FEE: €5M ($6.4M), 2008A solid one-on-one defender, has been slowed by injuries in recent seasons but remains the anchor at the back. Superb passing range makes him useful in starting attacks.
Jordi AlbaAGE: 25KEY STAT: Averaged 1.2 key passes per league game in 2013-14 and had two assistsTRANSFER FEE: €14M ($17.9M), 2012Burst onto the scene as a counterattacking full-back always eager to overlap and provide width. Lacks assertiveness against more physical teams.
Midfielders
James RodriguezAGE: 23KEY STAT: Created 84 chances in Ligue 1, 2013-14. Bale/Ronaldo created 88 combined in La LigaTRANSFER FEE: €80M ($102.2M), 2014In the absence of Gareth Bale should be afforded the opportunity to push forward into the role that saw him lead the World Cup in scoring with six goals. A tireless worker who can link midfield and attack and play wide or narrow.
Luka ModricAGE: 29KEY STAT: Ranked 4th on Madrid in chances created with 50 ... more than both Ronaldo (48) and Bale (40)TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2012Endlessly creative, Modric is the metronome around which Real operate. Sets the tempo and dictates the play with his passing. Lacks the strength to play effectively in defensive midfield.
Toni KroosAGE: 24KEY STAT: 2nd in the Bundesliga in passes completed with 2048TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2014Intelligent, sharp and tireless, the German arrived this summer to solve Real's lack of depth in midfield. Very technical on the ball, capable of sitting deep or pushing up to start attacks.
Ivan RakiticAGE: 26KEY STAT: One of only 5 players in La Liga in 2013-14 to reach double digits in both goals (12) and assists (10). Messi, Alexis Sanchez, Bale and Vela were the others.TRANSFER FEE: €18M ($23M), 2014New arrival from Sevilla is the assumed heir to Xavi's throne as the main creator in midfield. Lacks the artistry of the Barca great but has served a valuable two-way role so far this season.
Sergio BusquetsAGE: 26KEY STAT: Led La Liga in 2013-14 with 92.4% passing accuracy (min. 100 passes)TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)The enforcer in the heart of midfield. Fans may not always like his disruptive, occasionally dirty style of play but it is vital in Barca's pursuit of possession. He's quite composed on the ball, too.
Andres IniestaAGE: 30KEY STAT: Barca (45-5-0) and Spain (10-1-0) have yet to lose a game in which Iniesta has scoredTRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)Synonymous with tiki-taka and comfortable either in central midfield or wide attack in support of Messi, the combative playmaker is a valuable asset for Luis Enrique.
Forwards
Cristiano RonaldoAGE: 29KEY STAT: Scored in six straight Clasicos (seven goals) between the 2011-13 seasonsTRANSFER FEE: €94M ($120M), 2009Arguably the world's best player right now. Contributes plenty of goals -- he has 15 in seven league games so far this season -- and assists and is impossible to keep quiet.
Karim BenzemaAGE: 26KEY STAT: Assisted 24 goals for Ronaldo, second most since the Portuguese star arrivedTRANSFER FEE: €35M ($44.7M), 2009Often criticized for his "lack" of goals compared to Bale and Ronaldo, the Frenchman is the perfect foil in Real's attack. Off-the-ball movement opens room for teammates, while his finishing remains valuable.
IscoAGE: 22KEY STAT: Created 70 chances for RM in 32 La Liga games last season, eighth-best overallTRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2013An elegant playmaker who offers a contrast to the bombast and direct running of James. Lacks the requisite work rate of Modric or Kroos but has shone previously in big games, such as the 2014 Copa del Rey final.
Luis SuarezAGE: 27KEY STAT: Scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool (31) in 2013-14 than Norwich City (28)TRANSFER FEE: €81M ($103), 2014How will he fare after a four-month suspension from competitive football? His temper is offset by a relentless desire to win. Work rate (if fully fit) from the front should keep Real on the back foot.
Lionel MessiAGE: 27KEY STAT: Leads all players with 21 goals in ClasicosTRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)Has adjusted to a better-rounded role in 2014, free of the burden to be Barca's creator and finisher. Pace, vision, agility, finishing (with either foot): the total package.
NeymarAGE: 22KEY STAT: Already Brazil's fifth-highest scorer of all time (40 in 58 games)
TRANSFER FEE: €57.1M ($73M), 2013Maturing nicely at Barcelona, boasts plenty of quality and scoring prowess yet at ease being the second fiddle to Messi or any teammate in a better position.
Substitutes
PepeAGE: 31KEY STAT: Blocked 25 shots in 2013-14 La Liga season, eighth best overall
TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2007The butt of many jokes given his overly physical (some might say comic) approach to defending, Pepe can comfortably harass, unnerve and unsettle Barca's attackers.
Sami KhediraAGE: 27KEY STAT: Missed World Cup final through injury and has made just two appearances as substitute this season.TRANSFER FEE: €14M ($17.9M), 2010A steady two-way midfielder who is comfortable in possession and puts in the hard yards from a defensive point of view. Will add solidity to complement Madrid's flair.
Asier IllarramendiAGE: 24KEY STAT: Was 3rd best on Madrid with a 72.4 aerial % (aerials won/aerial duels) in 2013-14TRANSFER FEE: €30M ($38.3M), 2013Signed to provide added ballast in defensive midfield, he has struggled to get regular playing time. A capable, conservative option should Real look to shut the game down.
Chicharito HernandezAGE: 26KEY STAT: Has scored two goals from three shots on goal in all competitions this seasonTRANSFER FEE: N/A (season-long loan)The Mexican striker struggled to assert himself at Manchester United, but the consummate goal-poacher is the perfect catalyst should Real struggle in the second half.
Jeremy MathieuAGE: 30KEY STAT: Led Valencia last season in interceptions with 80 and shots blocked with 20.TRANSFER FEE: €20M ($25.5M), 2014The towering central defender was signed this summer ahead of Barca's transfer ban and featured prominently in a string of league clean sheets. An aggressive and experienced option.
Munir El HaddadiAGE: 19KEY STAT: Scored his first Barca goal 46 minutes into his debut (Aug. 24, 2014 vs. Elche)
TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)The latest product of La Masia, Munir has been a catalyst off the bench playing wide in support of Messi. A speedy, clever player well-drilled in the Barca mode.
XaviAGE: 34KEY STAT: Leads all active players with 40 Clasico appearancesTRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)The grand master of midfielders, Xavi epitomized and defined Barca's sharp, relentless style. Has lost form and pace as he's aged but his connection with Busquets and Iniesta make him an intriguing wild card here.
Pedro RodriguezAGE: 27KEY STAT: 19 goals, 8 assists in all competitions in 2013-14TRANSFER FEE: N/A (academy product)An effective, reliable foil to Messi up front. Comfortable in either wide attacking berth, his pace and off-the-ball runs make him valuable in breaking open stubborn opponents. Not the most reliable in front of goal.
Advantage:Real MadridBarcelona have more reliability -- Xavi is still a midfield master, and Pedro understands the system better than anyone, for example -- but in terms of game-changers, Real excel. Hernandez is one of the best supersubs around, while Illarramendi often performs better from the bench. Pepe is an impact player because of his raw physicality, and Khedira can boost energy levels.
ManagersCarlo AncelottiAGE: 55Salary: €7.5M per year ($9.6M, estimated)Biggest achievements: Has won three European Cup/Champions Leagues as manager (2x Milan, 1x Real Madrid), two as player (AC Milan).
Advantage:Real MadridYou can't argue with Luis Enrique's league record at Barcelona so far: seven wins, one draw, no goals conceded. He's a perfect fit for the club, yet even he wouldn't put himself in a bracket alongside Carlo Ancelotti just yet. However, Ancelotti's league-winning record is relatively unspectacular even though he's unquestionably one of the giants of this era.
Who Will Win?
