El Clasico - Copa Del Rey Final Preview With Copa Del Rey final less than 24 hours, what is Jose Mourinho expected to do? Does he go and attack possibly the best side in the world or does he stick to the same tactics and protect Casillas goal and get a bit of luck on the way. Well Jose, damned if you do and damned if you dont.
After the 1-1 draw at the Santiago few days ago Joses players have finally stopped having sleepless nights - but tomorrow a new nightmare begins.
This current crop under Pep Guardiola are quick to learn from their mistakes. Take the 4 games versus Arsenal over the past two seasons. With them throwing away leads in the first leg, they showed their true ruthlessness in the home games in the Camp Nou by beating the Gunners comfortably. Even though the Barcelona players are possibly tiring and even with their world class possession - this was the kick up the arse they needed. Learning not to take any lead for granted and to finish teams off like they did so convincingly in the early part of the season.
From the four El Gran Clasicos it the Spanish Cup which is Joses best bet in getting one over the team where he learnt his trade. Reason being it is :-) off game. No two legged affair and also the stadium is neutral in the Mestalla - home of Valencia.
Mourinho will probably go with same team he did few days ago. Defend it out and double team Lionel Messi like he did almost twelve months ago when his Internazionale of Milan side beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League. But that was over two legs.
With games like these it depends on who gets the first goal. If its Barcelona then it depends on how clinical and potent they are. If it is Real Madrid then expect 2 things:
1) Real parking train, planes and the team bus infront of their goal and
2) An onslaught from Barcelona who will play their usual way until that defence is penetrated.
Even though I would like to see the great artists of the game win - I have a feeling that Real Madrid may have the last word. Whether its over 90 minutes or subsequent programmes may run late due to extra time and penalties - one thing is for sure. Its not every season we get a chance to see 5 El Clasicos so embrace it and hopefully
. Enjoy it!
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