El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

This is the most important match of the season for Real Madrid and Manuel Pellegrini. When the newly elected president Florentino Perez started his second “Galactico” project he never imagined that the word “failure” would be linked to it. After almost 250 Million Euros spent in signings (Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Arbelo and Albiol), Real Madrid was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on the hand of the modest French side Lyon and took part of an epic fail when they were sacked of the Copa Del Rey by third division team Alcorcon.

On Saturday Madrid needs to win, if they don’t want to end the year empty handed. Now it is too early to say that losing this match could cost the team the league, but who expects Barcelona to lose if it is not to Real Madrid? And things could get worse if Barcelona wins the UEFA Champions league in the Bernabeu (home of Real Madrid). If this were to happen, we will probably not see the same coach next season, and half of the squad would most likely be negotiated.

Saturdays match will have in the field the two best players in the world: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. We will also have the chance to see most of the Spanish National team: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Albiol, Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta, all we need is Fernando Torres (Liverpool) David Silva, (Valencia) and David Villa (Valencia) and we have the starting XI.

Madrid’s main concern is how to stop Lionel Messi. After an stunning performance against Arsenal, scored 4 goals and got the attention of the press worldwide. Arsenal head coach Wenger said “He is a player from the playstation”, describing his incredible qualities.

Pellegrini has decided to place Arbeloa (a natural right footed) on the left back, to avoid Messi from moving inwards, he has also reinforced the left wing with Brazilian Midfielder Marcelo. However, Pellegrini is not taking measures to cover Xavi and Iniesta, And what about Dani Alves and Maxwell?

Madrid’s hopes lie in the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain, one of the most feared attacking couples in Europe. Guti is playing his last derby, and Pellegrini is putting his job on the line.

It’s the “group” of stars of Real Madrid against the Team of F.C. Barcelona.

El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

Guti confirms he will be playing his last “Clasico”
During an interview with Onda Madrid, Madrid’s playmakers said that he has a feeling this will be the last time he plays against Barcelona wearing the Real Madrid jersey.

Guti said “I don’t have a clear idea about my future. Surely I will be my last Clasico. As of today I have no chances to continue, I have one more year in my contract but I hope to reach an agreement. I know they will understand, my choice is leaving the club”. He mentioned that he does not want any kind of drama, that is something that was coming and the best thing is to leave the club in a decent manner.

Guti, will finally say goodbye to the club that saw him grow, both as a player and individual. Guti first made his debut in the first squad in 1995, 15 years later he could be saying goodbye. His numbers with Real Madrid:

UEFA Champions League: 1997–98, 1999–00, 2001–02
UEFA Super Cup: 2002
Intercontinental Cup: 1998, 2002
Spanish League: 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
Spanish Super cup: 1997, 2001, 2003, 2008

Guti began his career with Real Madrid in 1984, as a forward during his years in la cantera, but soon was moved into the midfield. He made his official debut on December 2 1995, in a match that Real Madrid won 4-1 against Sevilla.

Guti has guaranteed that he will not retire from football, instead he wishes to continue his career somewhere else, maybe England, Italy or the Emirates.

Joking during the conference he said, “Xabi Alonso wants my number 14, I think he will do honor to the number”. He also recommended the club to sign Cesc Fabregas and David Silva, both players would bring a lot of quality to the club.

Guti could have been a better player if it wasn’t for his night life and repeted issues with different coaches through his career. To finish the interview he said “ My heart will always remain with Madrid”.

Personally, I will miss seeing Guti in Madrid. To me, he is one of the best players in his position, sure, he is not constant, but when he feels like playing, he does it and very well.

Guti could say goodbye after "El Clasico"

If there is a player that is as synonymous to Real Madrid as Raúl it is Guti. Now this idol plans to do what Madrid's all-time leading scorer insinuated earlier in the week. He, like Raúl has insinuated, that his last season at the Santiago Bernabéu will be in 2011.

Guti, 32, is in his 14th season at Real and will consider a possible move to three of the hottest retirement spots for soccer players- Dubai, Qatar, or the MLS once his playing days in La Liga are over. Guti has scored 81 goals in 514 appearances for Real, but he has struggled to hold down a regular place in the side this season after having to compete with players like Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Fernando Gago.

Guti Done At Madrid in 2011