Spain’s supreme rivalry reignites yet again on Sunday as Real Madrid play host to Barcelona in El Clásico. It’s a contest that’s certainly lost some of its allure from the Pep Guardiola-Jose Mourinho era, but there are hints that the great fixture could once again emerge at the forefront of European football. A big Clásico awaits this weekend with Barcelona needing all three points to preserve their La Liga title hopes. Barca have recovered impressively since Xavi’s announcement regarding his future, but their deficit to league leaders Madrid is still eight points. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have continued to chip away at the summit. The two sides endured mixed fortunes in Europe heading into this one. A resilient Madrid went the distance with Manchester City and progressed into the semi-finals of the Champions League on penalties. Barcelona, on the contrary, collapsed against Paris Saint-Germain, losing 4-1 on home soil after Ronald Araujo was sent off in the first half.
