:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8952685/162790094.0.jpg)
With just one win in their last three matches, FC Barcelona will be desperate for a win today as they prepare to take on Copa del Rey finalists Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. While the Blaugrana may be sixteen points clear of Los Blancos at the top of La Liga, there's simply no such thing as a "meaningless Clasico" - at least from a Barca perspective. With their UEFA Champions League aspirations hanging by a thread, Barcelona cannot afford to slack off in La Liga - especially with so many records at stake. As things stand, Barcelona can still set new records for:
- Points gained in a single season
- Most away wins in a single season (and therefore most points away from home in a single season)
- Most wins (overall) in a single season
- Most goals scored in a single season
- Most away goals scored in a single season
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Forgetting the past few matches, Barcelona have played a virtually perfect season; and I doubt they amassed such a sizeable lead at the top of La Liga by assuming that every match that didn't directly lead to a trophy was "pointless". Jose Mourinho might choose to rest players for his side's pivotal UEFA Champions League Round of 16, second-leg match against Manchester United; what does it matter? This is
still the Clasico, the league title isn't mathematically secure and until it is, there'll be no rest for the wicked.
With that in mind, how do you see this afternoon's match going? Will Barcelona be able to exact revenge for Tuesday's 3-1 defeat, or will Real Madrid claim their fourth successive win in all competitions? Vote in our poll, and comment with your prediction to be in with a chance of winning a Barca-related prize at the season's end. Best of luck!
