Only three days have past since the epic comeback in Pamplona Now the champion returns home where 80,000 fans await to host Barcelona.
March 7, 2008 has been circled on the calendar since July 12, 2007 when the Spanish FA held their season fixture draw. The day is here and Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabéu. There had been weeks of speculation on how these two teams would reach the Clasico, and many predicted the Whites would either claim the league title against or be welcomed onto the pitch by their arch nemesis. All questions were answered last Sunday when Higuaín socred the goal of the season.
Guti and Heinze availbale; Cannavaro out
Bernd Schuster can rely on the services of both Guti and Heinze for the big match. The midfielder wasn’t able to dress against Osasuna due to a sprained left knee, but the injury is long forgotten and number ‘14′ is ready to roll. Heinze was also the subject of good news on Friday when the Spanish FA’s Appeal’s Committee rescinded what would have been his fifth yellow card. On the other hand, Fabio Cannavaro will have to sit the Clasico out after being sent of against Los Rojillos.
In all likelihood, Heinze and Ramos will team up in the centre of the back line and will be joined with Marcelo along the left flank and Torres the right. All signs point to Higuaín getting the nod in attack as a just reward for his goal in Pamplona and for a well-deserved ovation from the Bernabéu. Top Zamora candidate Iker Casillas (0.88 goals per match) will get the green light in goal, while trophy rival Victor Valdés (0.91 goals per match) will be standing 100 metres away.
In search of second
Barcelona’s primary objective is to reclaim second place on Wednesday night. Having gone two straight seasons without a title, the Catalan outfit needs three points and a lot of help if its to derail Villarreal. With rumors swirling about Frank Rijkaard’s departure in place of Pep Guardiola, problems continue amounting for Barça as they prepare their visit to the Bernabéu.
Neither Eto’o nor Deco will be on hand for the Clasico as both are serving one-match suspensions. Milito and Iniesta are also out, the latter with an inflammed meniscus. The news isn’t so good for the Argentine, who was diagnosed with a torn ACL and will be out of action for six months. The bright light at the end of the tunnel is the return of Touré.
It’s been 20 years since Barcelona last welcomed Real Madrid onto the pitch as newly crowned champions. Many in the stands tonight wouldn’t remember. Others still do. This crazy season still has a lot in store, and tonight won’t be any different. There’s a championship to celebrate and a fanbase to dedicate it to