adminLONDON. — It’s one of those games the whole world stops to watch – and Welsh wizard Gareth Bale is at the centre of it. Sunday’s Real Madrid vs Barcelona clash is one of the most hotly-anticipated El Clasico matches for years, with both teams in a three-way tussle for the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid.
Madrid-based paper Marca have splashed Bale across their front page, calling him “Bullet of the Clasico” as the former Spurs star goes into the match in top form.
AS also cheerlead Madrid ahead of the game, saying Los Blancos are now favourites for both the match and La Liga.
Across Spain, Catalan paper Mundo Deportivo are naturally focussing on Barcelona’s prospects. They’ve come out in support of Barca boss Tata Martino, who has the chance to win on their Bernabeu debuts like Frank Rijkaard, Louis van Gaal, Terry Venables and Pep Guardiola did in charge of Barca.
They also preview a star-studded Champions League quarter final draw, which they call ‘the best in history’.
Barcelona fullback Jordi Alba says Cristiano Ronaldo is “a beast” but believes Real Madrid should fear four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.
“I think they are two of the best players in the world but out of the two of them I’ll go with Leo,” Alba said when asked which of the two players should be feared more during Sunday’s game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I don’t just say that now because I am in the same team, I thought that when I was at Valencia,” added Alba, who moved to Barcelona from the Mestalla in 2012.
“I think Cristiano, you have to be honest, he’s a beast. He’s a very important player for Real Madrid. When Madrid are not at their best he always pulls through,” the 24-year-old said.
“But we have Leo and other players and I think we are more of a team than a bunch of individuals.”
Ronaldo, a two-time World Player of the Year, has scored 41 times in 37 appearances for Madrid this season, including a double in Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Schalke 04 which secured Real Madrid’s place in the Champions League quarterfinals. — AFP/Mailonline.
Online Reporter