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Real out to puncture Barca euphoria at Bernabeu
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-18 11:48
DAUNTING TASK
However, even with a near full-strength side, Real still face a daunting task
if they are to tame a rampant Barcelona.
Frank Rijkaard's side have notched up 24 goals in their last six games in all
competitions and have recaptured the sort of form that saw them romp to the
league title last season.
Ronaldinho is back to his exuberant best, playmaker Xavi has marshalled the
attack in masterful fashion and Samuel Eto'o has an even more voracious appetite
for goals than last season.
Almost as impressive has been the contribution of Argentine youngster Lionel
Messi.
Despite being embroiled in a complex bureaucratic wrangle over his
citizenship the 18-year-old has shown just why so many see him as the true
successor to Diego Maradona with a series of dazzling performances for Los
Azulgranas (blue and scarlets).
On Saturday the Argentine will get his chance to pit his skills against Real
Madrid counterpart Robinho in one of the game's most eagerly awaited personal
duels.
There will be a distinctly Brazilian flavour to this year's clashes with the
presence of a host of Robinho's compatriots in the ranks of both sides.
Barca have six Brazilian-born players, while Real, coached by former Brazil
boss Luxemburgo, have four in their squad.
Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, whose side won at the Bernabeu in his first
season in charge of the Catalans, remains as circumspect as ever about their
chances of another victory on enemy territory.
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