Real vs Barça: Spain’s great football classic. And it’s about a title. However far from home.
The first title of the new year beckons at the Clásico in Saudi Arabia – and the Real Madrid royals are not a bit tired. “All titles are important for this club,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti yesterday at the press conference for the final of the Spanish Supercopa against FC Barcelona: “They give self-confidence, they help to continue to perform well and they create a good atmosphere.”
Feeling good thanks to the title – and that’s how champions and Champions League triumphers Real want to continue in the new year. “We’re talking about players who not only won a lot last season but have been doing it since 2013,” said the 63-year-old Italian coach at Riyadh’s King Fahd Stadium. Because: The semi-finals and the final took place and will take place again in Saudi Arabia.
Real only trembled in the penalty shoot-out against FC Valencia in the final this Sunday (8 p.m.), as did their arch-rival from Catalonia. Thanks to two penalties saved by Marc-André ter Stegen, FC Barcelona also managed to reach the final when deciding from the point against Real Betis Sevilla.
If defending champion Real wins the final against Barcelona, it would be the 13th Supercup victory – as many as the permanent opponent, currently in the Primera División ahead of the Madrilenians, has already achieved. “The key to beating Barcelona isn’t intensity, but playing a complete game,” said Ancelotti.
And the opponent around star striker Robert Lewandowski leaves no doubt about the motivation. “We are here to win, we are Barça,” said coach Xavi Hernández: “We are committed to this title.”
The psychological aspect is the key in the game, Real have an advantage through experience, said the 42-year-old, who shook hands with Ancelotti, who was 21 years his senior, on the pitch before the trophy. Where the FC Barcelona coach relies on the mixture of the routine of his older professionals and the hunger of the young players.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
