The Spanish derby on the evening of March 10 was the 232nd meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

This is just an ordinary match in the 26th round of La Liga, but its significance is anything but ordinary, it is related to the ownership of the La Liga championship in the 2006-2007 season.

If Barcelona wins, the gap between the two sides will be widened to five points, and Real Madrid will likely lose the momentum to catch up; A win for Real Madrid would put them one point ahead of Barcelona and they have every chance of holding on to their lead until the end with only 12 league games remaining. In the event of a draw, Barcelona will remain two points ahead, leaving the league title in doubt.

As early as a few days ago, the media was already hyping this game. However, at that time, Real Madrid had to focus on the knockout rounds of the Champions League and did not have the energy to deal with the media.

And now, having qualified for the Champions League, they can finally give it their all to face this vital game.

In the last 231 meetings, Barcelona have won 94, drawn 49 and lost 88, with a slight upper hand, scoring 391 goals and conceding 385 goals.

It is also the 154th meeting between the two sides in the league, and in the previous 153 meetings, Real Madrid had the upper hand with 66 wins, 29 draws and 58 defeats, scoring 253 goals and conceding 231 goals.

But at Camp Nou, Barcelona has an absolute advantage in 76 games, 44 wins, 15 draws and 17 losses, scoring 151 goals and conceding 89 goals.

Therefore, the media generally believes that although Barcelona have not been in good form recently, Real Madrid should be snickering if they can get a draw.

'I don't think we have a slim chance of winning,' Ricardo said in an interview with the media, "but instead we're going to play very aggressively at Camp Nou and we're going to take our destiny into our own hands." I know Barcelona are strong, Samuel Eto'o is one of the best strikers, Ronaldinho is the best in the world in his position, and the youngster Messi has shown the potential to be a football king. But I'm sure my teammates are up to their challenge. And my partnership with Kaka, Van Nistelrooy and Raul is bound to make them suffer. ”

'Samuel Eto'o's return has made our forward line more lethal,' Ronaldinho said with a smile to the media, "and we are hungry for victory. We're going to tear Real Madrid apart with our attacks. ”

Kaka smiled shyly in front of the camera and microphone: "Ronaldinho and Licardo are my friends, they are both the best in the world, and I can't tell which of them is stronger." But I'm sure Ricardo can score at Camp Nou and lead us to victory. He's a miracle player, so don't take him lightly because he's young. ”

'I have a lot of respect for Licardo, Kaka, Raul, but at Camp Nou they don't want to take a point away and Barcelona are a mature team and we can win the toughest games. The teenager Messi reversed his usual modest posture and said aggressively.

So what does the media think?

"Barcelona's trident is invincible and Real Madrid's fragile defence will concede more than three goals at Camp Nou," said Le Monde Sport. ”

Daily Sports claimed: "Beckham and Robert. Carlos' absence could have a fatal impact on Real Madrid, who have seen David Beckham's contribution in recent rounds and his play-making midfield is the cornerstone of Real Madrid's revival. Robert. Carlos is the anchor of Real Madrid's left side, and without him, Messi can disrupt Real Madrid's defense alone. ”

Marca has a different opinion: "As long as Ricardo can return in time, Real Madrid can take all three points from Camp Nou. The prodigy, who has scored 31 goals in 27 appearances this season, is never short of inspiration. ”

The newspaper Asas takes a similar view: "Robert. The absence of Carlos and David Beckham does have a detrimental effect on Real Madrid, but as long as Ricardo can start, no matter how bad he is, he can get a draw, and there is a lot of hope of winning. Look at Ricardo's performances this season, has he ever disappointed? ”

In his pre-match press conference, Capello reiterated his confidence: "Rijkaard is a good coach, he knows how to do his job, but he was treated unfairly at Barcelona. There are a lot of problems in Barcelona at the moment and I'm sure my lads will get out of the Camp Nou. ”

When asked if Ricardo would start, Capello gave a negative answer: "Ricardo's body hasn't recovered to 100% yet, and I'm not going to risk him." Of course, I'll put him on the pitch when the time is right. ”

'There is nothing wrong with Barcelona,' Rijkaard claimed, 'and we are on the right track, although we were eliminated in the Champions League, we could win the league. We've just had a few minor setbacks, which is normal, any team has ups and downs in form. Tomorrow's game is a game that doesn't require mobilization, everyone will give their all, and we can win at home and extend the lead. ”

"Ricardo will definitely start," Rijkaard scoffed at Capello's claim that Ricardo would not start, "Capello would not dare to press a player of this caliber to the bench." Even with an injury, we don't take Ricardo lightly and he has proven at the Allianz Arena that he is one of the most intimidating strikers in the world, even with an injury. ”

No matter how cheerful the war of words is, it can't decide anything. In the end, it will be up to the court to divide the superiority.

Both Rijkaard and Fabio Capello were secretive about not announcing their squad in advance, and it wasn't until an hour before the game that the line-ups for Barcelona and Real Madrid were revealed.

With Zambrotta suspended, Barcelona used a 343 formation, exactly the same as they started against Liverpool in midweek. Goalkeeper Valdés, defenders Oglie, Thuram, Puyol. Marcos was brought forward to the midfielder position, and he was responsible for intercepting in midfield. In front of him are Xavi, Deco and Iniesta. The front three are Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o, who has returned from injury.

Real Madrid is still in a 4231 formation, goalkeeper Casillas, right-back Salgado, left-back M. Torres, the center-back combination of Ramos and Elguera, the double midfielders Gago and Diarra, they are Raul, Licardo and Kaka, and the single striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"Look, Ricardo really started," Rijkaard pouted in the home team's dressing room, "Marcos, you have a very heavy task today, I need you to focus 200% and freeze Ricardo, can you do it?" ”

The Mexican veteran patted his chest and said, "Look at me." ”

And in the away team's dressing room, an unexpected guest was welcomed.

The visitor showed a pair of rabbit teeth and smiled happily: "Hello everyone, did you miss me!" ”