Well as the title says, we have El Classico Days. That causes excitement for both sides (Real Madrid and Barcelona) but also it causes headaches because of the series of the events happening.
Let's take a look at Real Madrid-Barcelona rounds and events happening between the games.
ROUND 1
Real Madrid-Barcelona 1-1
As a keen Barcelonista I was hoping for a win. Even a draw could be a disappointment considering the results in El Classicos during the Guardiola Era. From the start of the match as expected Barcelona was dominating the game and Madrid was hitting on the counter-attack. From the time Barca scored, it seemed to me that this game would probably end 0-2 but Madrid proved me wrong and pulled back after a lot of effort but with a penalty given which didn't seem like one in my eyes. I actually thing Alves didn't even touch Marcelo. Credit to the opposition however for their remark.
After the game Mourinho started again whining about always remaining with 10 players against Barcelona. His aim?Putting pressure on the referee.And he made it.
ROUND 2
Barcelona- Real Madrid 0-1 (CDR FINAL)
That was a different game to my eyes and I was proven right as I didn't have a good feeling about this match before the kick-off because I was worried whether or not the referee would let Madrid play their game(in fact their "dirty" game).In the first half Madrid was better but in the second one there was only one team on the pitch, Barcelona playing the way they know better. What caught my eye was the rough play by Madrid players especially Pepe, who should have been sent off , Arbeloa(that challenge on Villa was horrible) and Xabi Alonso(a tackling on Messi was too clumsy). But the referee accepted the rough play and let Madrid play their own game with tacklings flying around. San Iker had a great game saving shot after shot. I have to admit that Madrid's goal was fabulous, beautiful inspiration by Di Maria. Personally, I think Lad Luck smiled on them.I won't critisize the referee as it wouldn't be right but I should say that the dismissal of Di Maria seemed to me ironic. What he did wasn't as violent as what pepe did.
After the game was a lot of talk and Mourinho continued his rant even though he won. He is known as a coach who doesn't know how to accept defeat but I think in that case he couldn't handle victory.
ROUND 3
Real Madrid Barcelona 0-2 (CL Semi-Final)
One day before the kick-off we experienced a post-match press conference by Pep Guardiola that no one expected. It was about time he supported the team by talking openly and emphasizing about the big errors made by referees in games he faced Mourinho.Now the talking would be on the pitch and there for another one time only Barca seemed to want to play football. Even though they were the better side for the whole match i didn't like the attitude of some Barca players when conceding fouls by their opponents. They seemed to exaggerate some fouls. Additionally we saw some play-acting from Busquets, Pedro and other players too. But the truth is that Barca handled in a very good way the situation. In other words, the players didn't allow the Madrid players to get on their nerves.We saw some good football by Barca, a frustrated Ronaldo but most of all a majestic Messi. This little "wizard" saved the game with his runs and his second goal was a masterpiece, one of those that will be remembered for years to come. What a game for the little Argentinian for another time, even though he was fouled again and again he remained calm, fair play at its best when Messi playes as he "never dives".
Well, after the game he should have been hailed and he was. Not only Messi but the whole Barca team for the way they handled the situation. But Mourinho brought again the shadows. Of course, he would want no one to remember the way Madrid, the team with the most European Champions,played in front of their own fans. The referee? He was good, worked well under much pressure and many can argue that the dismissal of Pepe was a right one. As Hidding said if Alves had his leg on the ground, now it would be broken. It was an unsporting challenge for sure. But Mourinho may brought some shadows but this time people have understood his game and now we are more sceptic about what he says. After all, he should be the last one to talk about referees.
Conclusion: Real Madrid seemed to make a big step forward in the first two games but in the third made two big steps back.Let's see what happens on Tuesday when the two Spanish giants meet for the second leg of the Champions League Semi-Final in Camp Nou. As for Mourinho?He may be not that special and if he continues to hurt the reputation of Madrid, who knows?One last thing. After talking about conspiracies between Barca and UEFA, on youtube various videos were added about the trophies Mourinho won with "sweat, pride and hard work". Not to talk about articles who supported the same opinions.
Barca now seems strong and let's hope they can show their football skills and on Wembley as well.
Visca El Barca!!!
