Two Stages of Barcelona Wounds

After the painful defeat to PSG, Barcelona awaited another torment at Real Madrid headquarters.

AFP/JOSEP LAGO

Barcelona players regretted their defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals to Paris Saint-Germain at the Stadio Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, ​​Wednesday (17/4/2024) early morning WIB. After that painful defeat, Barca prepared to play the El Clasico match against Real.

MADRID, SATURDAY — Barcelona is betting everything on el clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Monday (22/4/2024) at 02.00 WIB. They are in danger of losing two chances to win titles in a row after being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the European Champions League. Therefore, el clasico this time is like two stages of stabbing wounds into Barca's body.

A draw, let alone a loss, will certainly make Real's efforts to take the Spanish League title from Barca easier. The two arch enemies are now competing at the top of the standings. Real leads the league with 78 points, eight points ahead of Barca in second.

If they lose to Real, Barca will be 11 points behind with six games remaining. This means that the Blaugrana's chances of winning the Spanish League will become increasingly difficult or even disappear altogether. That scenario could be a bad ending as well as a second injury in a row for Barca. In the previous match, the team coached by Coach Xavi Hernandez was tragically eliminated by PSG.

Also read: PSG's Confidence Results in Smiles in Barcelona

Barcelona's victory of 3-2 against PSG in the first meeting failed to be optimized for their advancement to the semifinals. In fact, Barcelona was soundly defeated 1-4 at home in the second meeting. This defeat buried Barcelona's ambition to save their hope of winning the title this season.

With such a far advantage in points, Real is a strong candidate for the champion of the Spanish League. Therefore, Barcelona's only hope of winning a title is available in the Champions League.

AP PHOTO/JOAN MONFORT

The reaction of the Barcelona players after being eliminated by PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, Wednesday (17/4/2024) early morning WIB.

When that scenario fails, Barca must create a miracle by catching Real at the top of the standings. The most likely way to do this is to prevent Real from leaving by winning el clasico. An additional three points from Real will cut the gap between the two teams to five. Mathematically, with six weeks remaining, Barca still has hope of making a miracle happen at the end of the season.

"On Sunday (Monday in Indonesia time) we will compete again. We will not give up in the Spanish League. Let's see if we can place ourselves within a five-point gap (from Madrid)," said Xavi.

Also read: Xavi Hernandez's Mantra, Barcelona's Path to Revival

Realizing miracles, especially at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, is not as easy as it sounds. Real Madrid is currently in positive form and high spirits after eliminating the defending Champions League champions, Manchester City, in the quarter-finals.

We will not give up in the Spanish League. Let's see if we can place ourselves within a five-point distance (from Madrid).

In addition, Bernabeu this season has also become a very sacred place for the visiting team. Until the league entered week 31, Real has never experienced a defeat in their own home.

It becomes a daunting task for Barca, who is currently devastated after losing a ticket to the Champions League semifinals that was within reach. The confidence of Barca players had momentarily shattered.

AFP/JOSEP LAGO

Barcelona coach Xavi tried to cheer up Raphinha after the Champions League match against PSG, Wednesday (17/4/2024) early morning WIB.

The situation worsened after a friction occurred between defender Ronald Araujo and midfielder Ilkay Guendogan. After being eliminated by PSG, Guendogan criticized Araujo for receiving a red card in the early stages of the first half, which caused losses for the team. Tension between the two players disrupted the internal concord of Barca.

Fatigue factor

Although it appears difficult to beat at Bernabeu, there is something that at least can cause trouble for Real, which is the factor of fatigue. Knocking out City became the most intense and tiring match for Real this season. "Los Blancos" had to dampen City's onslaught for 120 minutes. The length of the match even caused Real's right back, Dani Carvajal, and winger, Vinicius Junior, to be unable to finish the game.

Responding to this situation, Real Coach Carlo Ancelotti said otherwise. He stated that the players' condition was gradually getting better and they were ready to welcome El Clasico. Carvajal and Vinicius are expected to appear. Likewise, Aurelien Tchouameni has completed his suspension. The defensive midfielder is likely to partner Antonio Rudiger as a center back.

Also read: Opportunities for the Marriage of Two Real Madrid Ambitions

"We do not have any physical problems and we have time until Sunday to recover. We will rest peacefully to regain our energy and also process what we have done in Manchester. It was something extraordinary," said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has guided Real to three consecutive El Clasico wins, including a 4-1 victory in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals earlier this year and a 2-1 away win in the first meeting of the Spanish League, October 2023.

AFP/PAUL ELLIS

Real Madrid players, Lucas Vazquez (right) and Toni Kroos, celebrate their success in advancing to the Champions League semifinals after defeating Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, on Thursday (18/4/2024) early morning WIB.

A series of losses to Real adds pressure to Xavi, who in February finally announced that he will resign at the end of the season. After announcing his resignation, Barca's performance suddenly improved until they were eventually defeated by PSG.

Xavi had considered the option to stay after the positive trend came. However, the tragic defeat from PSG reaffirmed his determination to step back. It is interesting to see whether Xavi will retract his words if it turns out that Barca is able to work wonders by handing Real their first defeat at home this season. (REUTERS)