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Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez says everybody at the club needs to stay united and work harder after the team were humiliated by Barcelona in the Clasico.

Goals from Luis Suarez (2), Andres Iniesta and Neymar saw the champions leave the Santiago Bernabeu six points clear of their rivals in the title race. But it was the manner of Real’s performance that was so shocking – no midfield cover, an isolated front three, and some defending that is usually associated under 9’s football.

Speaking after the match, beleaguered boss Benitez said his team have every intention of going out to attack and take the game to Barca, but everyone went wrong on the night.

“Whenever we win or lose we all have a part to play in the result. It hurts us a lot to lose in this manner and against a team like Barcelona. What we need now is to be united, work hard, improve and think about the upcoming game, as well as win the next three points that are up for grabs for us in La Liga to stay in the title race,” he stated.

And he added: “We wanted to attack, press and win possession high up the pitch. We managed to that on a few occasions but not on others, and were made to pay for that.”

Asked whether the defeat was as a result of poor attitude from some of his player, the manager responded: “I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with attitude. We were up against a great side; we made mistakes and were made to pay for them. Marcelo’s chance at the beginning of the second half was a pivotal moment. If that had gone in we would have been back in the match.

“That’s what we spoke about at half time. After that it became more and more difficult to find a way back into the game, mentally speaking. What I’m most concerned about now is getting the team to recover mentally in time for the next match.”

 

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Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu – a defeat that will crank up the pressure on boss Rafa Benitez.

Luis Suarez (2), Neymar and Andres Iniesta got the goals that ensured the La Liga champions moved six points clear of their rivals. The home fans jeered, whistled and held up the white hankies to show their displeasure at such a result.

Los Blancos were looking to get back on track following their loss to Sevilla last time out. And with Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the line up, there was plenty of optimism around the stadium that Real could get the goals they needed to overcome their freescoring visitors.

But what they hadn’t expected was for the midfield and defence to go AWOL throughout, inviting Barca to attack wave after wave.

Before kick off, both teams lined up on the field and the stadium fell silent as the French national anthem played to remember those who lost their lives in the attacks in Paris last week.

Once underway, Real actually started quite brightly, dominating possession in the opening seven or eight minutes without creating a clear cut chance. But after just 10 minutes, Luis Enrique’s team had the lead with their first attack. Sergi Roberto danced his way around Toni Kroos and Luka Modric before laying on a superb ball for Suarez. The Uruguayan curled the ball home with the outside of his right boot and wheeled away in celebration.

Madrid seemed to be shell shocked by that, but rather than respond, failed to get hold of the ball and calm things down. Time and time again, Barca cut their hosts open, getting particular joy out of Danilo who was all at sea.

The question wasn’t if Barca would score again but when. And it came on 39 minutes. Sergio Ramos stepped up trying to play the offside but mistimed his effort, allowing Neymar to run in on goal and fire under Keylor Navas. Things could have been even worse before the break but for Marcelo’s goal line clearance.

Madrid showed some sort of fight immediately after the break but any thoughts of a comeback were ended seven minutes into the second half when Andres Iniesta netted the third. Neymar confused the defence with a neat back heel and the World Cup winning midfield slammed home his effort into the top corner from 12 yards.

In response, and perhaps in a signal to Florentino Perez that he wants to do things his way, Benitez removed James and Marcelo for Carvajal and Isco. The changes had little effect. The Real midfield was non existent and the front three of Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo were peripheral figures.

Leo Messi came on for Barca, as if things couldn’t get any worse, and fifteen minutes from time, the rout continued as Suarez finished off from a pass by the Argentinean.

The white flag had already been lifted by the home side, and Isco’s sending off for kicking Neymar 10 minutes from the end was a sign of frustration at the evening’s events.

Real boss Benitez now has huge questions to answer. Going into the under pressure because of a lack of free flowing football and talk of problems with senior players, his line up in the Clasico, and the lack of response to events as the match progressed will the pressure cranked up a notch or two.

 

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Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez says his players are aware of the importance of today’s Clasico and are raring to go.

Los Blancos host their fierce rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be looking to respond to their 3-2 defeat to Sevilla last time out. A loss to Luis Enrique’s side would see the 10-time Champions League winners slip six points behind in La Liga, not season-ending, but a tall order to catch up even at this point.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Benitez said: “It’s my first Clásico with the first team. The team come into it in good shape; they’re excited and looking forward to it.

“We’re aware of the importance of any game against Barcelona and of getting all three points. The same is on the line for me as for Real Madrid as a whole: three very important points to be up there challenging for the title right to the end.”

While football will very much be at the centre tonight, minds will no doubt still be on the attacks in Paris last week. This Clasico will see a heightened police presence, while going to a football game will not quite be the same again after the terrorists attempted to enter the Stade de France last week.

And Benitez said both clubs and sets of fans much show solidarity with those affected in the attacks.

“The recent world events are deeply saddening and we have to express our solidarity with the victims, because it’s very serious and very worrying. We will be protected by the security measures placed in operation for the match and I’m sure that everything will be fine and that we’ll be able to enjoy the game,” he commented.

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Gareth Bale says he is fit and raring to go ahead of today’s Clasico fixture.

The Welshman has been out for the past three weeks with a calf problem and earlier this season missed a few weeks with the same issue.

But the 26-year-old told the club’s official website he is ready to make his return to the first team for the visit of the La Liga champions.

He stated: “I’ve been out with injury for six weeks so I haven’t had a chance to play much this season. But I’m feeling strong and fit for this game.”

Bale, who scored a wonder goal for Los Blancos against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in April 2014, has had time to watch his team mates over the past few weeks. And while he says Madrid are in a good position having lost just once all season, admitted there is plenty of room for improvement.

“We’ve been in good form so far this season, we’ve only lost one game and I still think there is some room for improvement. We could still be better, play better, and I’m hoping that, as the season goes on, our form continues to improve and that leads us to winning La Liga,” he commented.

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Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet in one of the strangest Clasicos of all times, as an unprecedented series of security measures will be put in place following the Paris attacks.

Spanish authorities fear terrorists could attack again in Madrid, with the whole world watching the biggest match in modern football. Despite the Minister of the Interior has claimed it is almost impossible anything like that could happen, maximum security measures will be taken.

On the field, the main doubt is weather Leo Messi will be able to play from the start or not. The Argentinian has just recovered from a two-month injury and has not played a single minute yet, but still Luis Enrique could risk him and put him in the starting line him.

Rafa Benitez has the only doubt of Sergio Ramos, who suffers from a shoulder injury. The Andalusian will most likely play, but after the game he could undergo surgery to solve his problem.

Keylor Navas, Karim Benzema and Daniel Carvajal have recovered on time for this crucial game. The Spaniard is not expected to feature, but Navas and Benzema should play from the start.

Los Blancos need the win more than Barcelona, since they recently lost against Sevilla and now trailed their arch-rivals by three points in La Liga. A defeat would be harsh for Benitez, as Barca would lead the table with a six-point advantage.

Possible line-ups:

Real Madrid: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Bale, Kroos, Modric, James Rodriguez; Benzema, Ronaldo.

Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Sergi Roberto, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

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Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta says it is too soon to draw conclusions or write off Real Madrid even if they lose against their rivals on Saturday.

The La Liga giants meet for the first Clasico of the campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu with Los Blancos going into the match three points adrift of Luis Enrique’s team. They lost their previous league match against Sevilla two weeks ago, and have failed to score more than two goals in a game since their 3-0 win over Getafe in mid-October.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, World Cup winning midfielder Iniesta said it is too early in the season to write Real off, even if they fall six points behind on Saturday evening.

“People can use whatever analogies they like, but it is very early to say anything like that after 12 games.  It is a bit early to be painting things as so good or so bad. We are three points ahead but let’s not get comfortable – we have to try to win at their stadium and widen the gap between us and them,” he stated.

And he added: “We know we are playing against a Real Madrid side who will be trying to draw level with us. I don’t think we are talking about deepening wounds; we just have to go their play well and try to come back in an even better position. It is not decisive because it is so early in the season but it is very important from a morale sense.”

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Former Real Madrid defender Fabio Canavaro says Los Blancos must be smarter than Barcelona if they are to triumph in the Clasico this weekend.

The La Liga champions visit the Santiago Bernabeu for the first clash of the season between the two and go into the game three points ahead in the table. Real were beaten by Sevilla in their last game before the international break and will be keen to get back on track in front of their home fans.

Much has been made about Leo Messi’s possible return to the Barca team at the weekend, but with Neymar and Luis Suarez in fine form already, the Real defenders will have their hands full.

And speaking to Marca, Cannavaro said Madrid must outwit their opponents. The Italian, who captained his country to World Cup success in 2006, also spoke about how big the Clasico is worldwide having experienced it while living in Dubai.

He stated: “They say it’s three points, but it’s much more. I’ve lived in Dubai for four years and I’ve seen people go crazy for this game.”

He added: “Madrid look good to me, no matter the change of players or Coaches. Madrid is always Madrid. It’s a different kind of game, one in which Madrid have to be smarter than Barca.”

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La Liga chief Javier Tebas says Real Madrid are right to ban Barcelona fans displaying the Estelada flag at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

The flag is a symbol of support for Catalan independence and has already caused controversy already this season – with the club fined after the flags were present at a Champions League game.

As support for independence grows in the region and Catalan politicians aiming for a breakaway from Spain within 18 months, the Clasico is likely to be highly charged.

And speaking to reporters, Tebas said Madrid were right to try and calm the situation down.

“Madrid are doing the right thing to ban Esteladas. Within your stadium you can determine if the greater good must be protected for the benefit of a particular good. They’re right to remove the Estelada because it’s a security issue. I remember, I don’t know if it was last year or longer ago, a Madrid fan in Camp Nou in a Madrid shirt and it was an uncomfortable situation. It’s not ideal and we want to stop these things but it is a moment of special sensitivity,” he stated.

Tebas said that in the wake of the Paris attacks last week, and the show of support from England fans in the friendly at Wembley on Tuesday, Barcelona and Madrid should draw inspiration from that and put on a more united front at a time of uncertainty.

“I envy how they sang La Marseillaise, respecting symbols everywhere. We’ve suffered terrorism of all colours and our security forces are experienced. We must be calm and confident in our security forces. That’s an advantage over other countries,” he commented.

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Real Madrid will attempt to sign Kun Aguero from Manchester City if Cristiano Ronaldo decides to leave, according to reports.

Citing an article in Le10Sport, Madrid-based daily AS, says Florentino Perez has identified the Argentinean as the man to take over from the club’s all-time leading scorer.

Los Blancos were keen on signing Aguero back in 2011 when he left city rivals Atletico de Madrid for the Etihad stadium. The 26-year-old has gone on to win the Premier League and League Cup in England and has established himself as one of the leading strikers in world football.

Ronaldo’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu has been subject of speculation of late. The 30-year-old still has four years to run on his current deal but there has been plenty of talk about a return to Manchester United – the club where he is still idolised by the fans.

French champions PSG are also keen on his signature, while the Portugal captain has also hinted that he could follow the likes of Kaka, David Beckham and Raul and play in the MLS before hanging up his boots.

Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in total this season and in October overtook legendary striker Raul as the club’s all time leading scorer.

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Former Barcelona man Xavi Hernandez says Leo Messi would not be the player he is today without Cristiano Ronaldo pushing him all the way.

The pair are widely considered as two of the best to have ever played the game, if not the best. Between them, they have won seven Ballon d’Or trophies among a whole host of accolades for their individual exploits.

Ahead of this Saturday’s Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, Xavi, who now plays his football in Qatar, sat down to talk to ESPN about Ronaldo and Messi.

He stated:”Pele and Maradona both made a huge difference, but football has evolved. The players are better than they were, the game is better. Physically, tactically, technically and psychologically, football is better than ever. And Messi stands out as the best at the best time in the history of football.

And he continued: “But he wouldn’t be as good without Ronaldo. He wouldn’t have won all those Ballons d’Or. And I don’t think Ronaldo would have won them all too. They push each other. The difference between the two is that while they’re both great goalscorers, Messi is much more involved in the play of the team.”

Messi could make his return in the game this weekend having been out on the sidelines since September 26.

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