How the Priciest Rivalry Went Down: El Clasico

        “El Clasico.” The name itself emits quite an aura of prestige. It has within it a deeply rooted rivalry. El Clasico refers to any game between Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two biggest and most expensive clubs in Spain. With so much hype and excitement for the most recent game, which was played yesterday, October 25^th, it certainly lived up to its expectations. But then again, how could a match featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi not be mesmerizing? Let alone, the countless other stars on each team made it seem like an all-star match displaying the world’s best 22 players.  There is a reason this event was tagged as the “billion dollar game,” as both teams starting players amount to ridiculous expenses.

           

The Real Madrid and Barcelona attacking trios

            It didn’t take very long for the match to get into the swing of things at The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid’s home stadium. Luis Suarez, who made his debut for Barcelona after being suspended 4 months for a notorious biting incident, made his impact immediately.  Attacking down the right flank, he lifted his head and sent a dazzling 30-yard ball that landed perfectly on Neymar’s feet. Neymar took the ball across the Madrid defense and stuck a low shot in the corner past Casillas to give Barcelona the lead in the 4^th minute, hushing the 70,000 plus Real Madrid fans. The Madrid defense seemed to be asleep, and center back Pepe gave Neymar way too much space. The chemistry between Suarez and Neymar was brilliant, as Suarez took note of Neymar’s backward movement and put a ball on a dime to Neymar. The controversy of Barcelona coach Luis Enrique starting Suarez seemed to pay off. However, Barcelona’s lead wouldn’t last forever.

            In the 35^th minute, Real Madrid defender Marcelo went on a surging run down the left-hand side, and whipped in a low cross in the box that struck the hand of Barcelona center back Gerard Pique. The referee awarded a penalty kick, and Ronaldo rose to the challenge, and slotted the ball past Barcelona keeper Claudio Bravo, who hadn’t conceded a goal in the past 7 league matches.  The half ended at 1-1, with Real Madrid looking to capitalize on their momentum.

Ronaldo taking a penalty kick

            The explosive attack of Real Madrid proved too much for Barcelona to handle. Just five minutes after the start of the second half, Real Madrid midfielder Tony Kroos curled in a corner that met the rising head of Pepe, who redeemed himself after his defensive mistake earlier in the game, and headed the ball into the net. 

            And then in the 60^th minute, Barcelona coach Enrique subbed off Xavi for Ivan Rakitić, the Croatian midfielder.  Rakitić’s first touch of the game was taking a corner kick, which was cleared by Real Madrid, who sparked a lightning quick counter attack. Madrid attacker Isco stole the ball off of Barcelona star Iniesta at halfway, and released the ball to the Real Madrid attackers who were charging up field. In a counter attack that was executed in textbook style, Karim Benzema finished off the elegant play by sliding a ball past Bravo to extend Madrid’s lead.

Karim Benzema finishing off a classic Real Madrid counter attack

Click to watch Real Madrid's amazing counter attack

            With Madrid leading 3 to 1, the game was opened up, as Barcelona had to commit numbers forward, leaving themselves vulnerable defensively. Although the score line remained at 3 to 1, Real Madrid continued to attack with a menace that was intriguing to watch. Barcelona did manage to control a majority of possession, however, it was Real Madrid who took the most shots and ultimately capitalized on the day.

            For the 500 million fans that watched the game world wide, I think it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed what they saw. Both teams played with a fluidity and skill level that made the performance seem like a work of art. The ridiculous ball control and the fast pace movement displayed was among the best in the world. And with that win, Real Madrid has inched up closer in the La Liga table, now just 1 point behind first place Barcelona. The next El Classico matchup between these two Spanish Giants is set for mid March. Whatever happens between now and then, it is probably safe to say that the game will be another one for the history books.

7th place? What must Manchester United do to Win the Premier League?

When Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager for Manchester United in 2013, fans around the world couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold. Ferguson’s 27 years as manager saw some of the brightest times at Manchester United, including multiple trophies and championships, financial prosperity, and world popularity. In essence, succeeding a manager who achieved so much success seemed to be no easy task—and that was proven, as Manchester United finished a mere 7^th place following Ferguson’s exit. David Moyes, who was Ferguson’s successor during the 13’/14’ season, was sacked as manger after an uninspiring 10 month stint that left Manchester United fans feeling somewhat in despair.  When current Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal took over the job for the Red Devils this past May, Manchester United fans felt a sense of relief, optimism and hope for the future. The former World Manager of the Year has experience under his belt at big clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich—a resume which David Moyes lacked. However, Manchester United still sit in only 7^th place after winning only 2 of their first 6 games in the English Premier League. But Manchester United fans shouldn’t fret, as the squad has all of the utilities to be successful…well most of them.

 

Previous Manager David Moyes, who was fired after 10 months in charge

Clearly, some things at Manchester United needed to change. And that’s just what happened. Van Gaal spent a whopping $248 million during United’s last transfer window, which resulted in superstars Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo joining the club. With the immense talent that these players possess along with the quality of players already on the team such as Rooney, Van Persie and Carrick, its evident Manchester United have the skill necessary to challenge for the Premier League Title. But if skill was everything, the winner could be decided on paper. There are a variety of other important details required to succeed, not just in soccer, but in all sports. And Manchester United must solve their troubles in order to make a run for the Title.

New signing Angel Di Maria and manager Louis van Gaal

Arguably the most blatantly obvious dilemma Manchester United faces is their lack of stability and quality in their central defense. United spent almost a quarter billion dollars during the previous transfer window, yet did not acquire a single central defender—a position which needs to be filled. An assertive and dominant center back is essential for any winning team. At the heart of the defense, center backs thwart opposing attacks, maintain the team’s composure and solidity, assert commands and instructions, and serve as the team’s backbone. Although Manchester united has scored 11 goals in their first 6 games, they’ve conceded 9 goals. That’s a 1.22 goals scored to conceded ratio, which ranks meekly compared with league leaders Chelsea, whose ratio is 2.7. I’m no mathematician, but there is a significant difference in these ratios, especially so early on in the season. Securing a supreme center back should be the number 1 priority for Van Gaal during the next transfer window this January.

Another question that seems to have arisen is Manchester United’s leadership. Wayne Rooney, the current captain, contains all of the qualities a team would want in their captain. He is a tireless worker, a warrior in the air, fierce in tackles, a versatile goal scorer and prolific team player. He’s been at United for a decade. He’s experienced ups and downs. He’s shown his loyalty. He plays with his heart on his sleeve. But, there’s one thing that he must control if he will lead United to success. His temper. Rooney has become somewhat notorious for his short temper, which isn’t an invalid classification, as he has earned 109 yellow cards and 6 red cards in his career. This past weekend, Wayne Rooney received a red card after blatantly kicking an opposing player, making no attempt for the ball. Not only did his red card jeopardize United’s lead, Rooney is now unavailable for the next 3 matches, which includes a match against the in form and league leading Chelsea. So, is Rooney the right man in charge?

Wayne Rooney receiving a red card after hacking Stewart Downing

I believe he is.  Not only was this his first red card in over 5 years (proving his maturity), he admitted his mistake. “I knew at the time that I misjudged it. It is a red card and I don’t think it will benefit anyone to appeal against the decision,” announced the striker. The burning desire to win that exists within Rooney is what makes him the fantastic player he is. It drives him to work harder than anyone and makes his will to win exceed anyone. As long as he utilizes his impulse to win in a positive manner, and doesn’t let his temper supersede, there is not a better player, teammate and fighter who is more fit to lead than Wayne Rooney.

The manager is confident. The skill and quality in the players is present. The leadership is powerful. With maybe one or two central defenders, there is no doubt that Manchester United has what it takes to make a run for the Premier League trophy. Don’t count them off just yet; it is Manchester United after all.