An El Classico win or bust moment for Zidane?
An El Classico win or bust moment for Zidane?
If ever you wanted to know the significance of the El Clasico as a footballing spectacle then look no further than the reason it is kicking off at midday on Saturday - as they look to tap into the prime time audiences in Asia and exploit the potential mass revenues on offer in those regions. In short Real Madrid v Barcelona is arguably the biggest game in club football and garners a worldwide viewing audience like no other, with this one too close to call for 888sport.
Never has an El Clasico meant so much for a Real Madrid side, given their hit and miss season so far. Zidane`s charges currently sit 4th in La Liga, some 11pts off their Catalan rivals and defeat at the Bernabeu will all but end their title chances ahead of the winter break - something that is absolutely staggering and highlights what an absolute shocker of a season that Real Madrid are having domestically and not fairing much better in Europe at present. Something needs to change and its time that the fabled BBC - Benzema, Bale and Cristiano - started to deliver.
Barcelona on the other hand have been firing all cylinders this season - with the likes of Messi, Suarez and Paulinho in superb goalscoring form, as the Catalans have started the season with 13 wins and 3 draws that has seen them already open up a 6pt lead over Atletico. They remain unbeaten in all competitions, therefore highlighting that the loss of Neymar, in a world record transfer move to PSG, would have no bearing on their quest to win back their title from Real Madrid - both domestically and in Europe with the Champions League.
It promises to be a classic there is no question about that, but it feels like it is win or bust - as far as the future of Zinedine Zidane is concerned. Despite winning consecutive Champions League titles, as well as last year`s La Liga, supporters are growing restless at the Bernabeu, and with club president Perez notorious for biting the bullet quickly when it isn`t running smoothly, you do fear for the Frenchman if Barcelona take all 3pts on Saturday lunchtime in their own backyard. A 14pt gap would surely be a step too far, even at this stage of the season and only a win for Real Madrid would keep their title chances in tact and ultimately provide their manager with some breathing space ahead of the winter break. It is easier said than done and with Lionel Messi - who always seems to turn up for the El Clasico - already scoring 19 goals in 25 games this season it promises to be a tough ask for the Los Blancos.
