THE last time that Real Madrid played Barcelona in the Spanish league, it brushed aside a team struggling to find its way after being orphaned by Lionel Messi.
Madrid’s 2-1 win in October ignited ugly scenes of furious Barcelona fans banging Ronald Koeman’s car as the beleaguered coach sped away from Camp Nou.
Fast forward to Sunday when Barcelona with Xavi Hernández in charge of a new-look squad will head to the Santiago Bernabéu to test how far it has closed the gap with its fiercest rival.
Most “clásico” matches have an impact on the title race. Not so much this time. Madrid enjoys a comfortable lead at the top of the standings and only a major collapse will stop it from adding to its record 34 league titles.
With 10 games left, Madrid leads Sevilla by 10 points and both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid by 15.
The main question for coach
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
