adminBARCELONA. — The self-styled biggest game in the world of football takes on a different significance tomorrow as Barcelona pay homage to legendary former player and coach Johan Cruyff for the visit of Real Madrid in El Clasico.
More than 90 000 fans will take part in a pre-match display reading “thank you Johan” ahead of Barca’s first match since the Dutch great passed away at the age of 68 last week after a short battle with lung cancer.
Barca host Madrid 10 points clear of their eternal rivals in the La Liga title race and on the verge of a sixth league title in eight years.
Moreover, they are favourites to become the first side ever to retain the Champions League — a feat that would deliver a fifth European Cup in 11 years.
Barca’s little more than a decade of dominance has been propelled by the brilliance of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez on the pitch and astute coaching of Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique from the touchline. Yet, they are all united by a style and philosophy implemented by Cruyff over 20 years ago that continues to serve Barca today.
“To talk about Cruyff is to talk about football at its best,” said Enrique, as the Barca squad joined over 60 000 fans in paying their respects at a memorial set up for Cruyff at the Camp Nou this week.
“He leaves behind a very important legacy, a legacy that this club will perpetuate.
“We want to copy and improve this style of play which combines results and a spectacular attacking football.”
Rarely has any side displayed such spectacular attacking football as the Barca 2015-16 version. — AFP.
Online Reporter