Luis Enrique says his last Clasico in charge of Barcelona at Real Madrid on Sunday is a must-win for the reigning La Liga champions. Anything other than a Barca victory at the Santigao Bernabeu would more or less hand Madrid their first Spanish league title in five years.Zinedine Zidane's men hold a three-point lead at the top with a game in hand on their rivals.
"Given how close it is to the end of the season it is a decisive weekend," said Enrique on Saturday. "This time a Clasico can decide or almost decide the league or leave it very open. "For us it is like a final, only a win will do." Madrid could be boosted by the return of Gareth Bale from injury, but the fact the Welshman may not be risked is a further sign that Real have far more room for error.
Bale has been sidelined by an inflammation of the muscles around where he suffered ligament damage in his right ankle that kept him out for three months earlier in the season. "He will be with us tomorrow," said Zidane. "You will see tomorrow what team we are going to start with." Should Bale not start, the on-form Isco is favourite to take his place, as he did for Madrid's thrilling 4-2 win over Bayern Munich after extra-time in midweek. Centre-backs Raphael Varane and Pepe are Madrid's only injury absentees meaning Zidane is expected to name the same starting XI as against Bayern.
Comments
Comments are closed.