Barca eye El Clásico victory

Barca eye El Clásico victory

Barcelona can take a giant step towards clinching the LaLiga title if they beat Real Madrid at home in Sunday’s El Clásico, while the two Manchester giants look set for FA Cup success this weekend – matches which form part of TAB’s soccer pools which will be boosted by close on R1-million!

By Mark Gleeson

Barcelona have a nine-point lead in the Spanish league standings and success in Sunday’s El Clásico at home to Real Madrid could ensure they go on to win the league title.

The title could make up for a season in which they have crashed out of European club competition and have been beset by financial scandal.

It is a second meeting in 17 days between the two giants after Eder Militao’s own goal handed Barcelona a 1-0 away win in the Copa del Rey at the start of the month and another chance for Barca fans to have something to gloat about as their club’s long-term future looks in peril.

Barcelona’s hopes are likely to be boosted by a return after a six-match absence of Pedri, key to their chances in the heart of the midfield. He is fast emerging as one of the key players in world football and another gem off the Barca production line.

Real’s domestic form is in strong contrast with their Champions League exploits. They were winners again this week over Liverpool to book a quarter-final berth but in LaLiga action have dropped points in two of their last three fixtures.

There will surely, however, be a determination to come away with success at Camp Nou.

Lately, much has also been made of the different approaches of the rival coaches – Xavi at Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti at Real. There is a 20-year gap in age between them and more serenity about the Italian in comparison to Xavi, who recently returned from suspension after yet another altercation with the match officials.

In England, the FA Cup is the main item on the menu this weekend as Manchester City and Manchester United have home advantage and are expected to go through to the semi-finals.

There will also be a Championship side in the last four as Sheffield United host Blackburn Rovers on Sunday. Blackburn beat the Blades 1-0 at home in the league a fortnight ago.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Major League Soccer in North America continues with St Louis City hosting San Jose Earthquakes in one of the key fixtures.

It is a fourth game for the new club, who have made a surprise 100% start to their existence under the guidance of former Bafana Bafana fullback Bradley Carnell.

St Louis have taken to the new franchise with a new stadium built on the banks of the Missouri River nearly sold out for the rest of the season.