✍️ Kaustubh Thakur

🗓️ Apr 19, 2024

One of the greatest rivals in the history of football- Real Madrid and FC Barcelona could not have had more contrasting midweek fixtures in the UEFA Champions League. Both clubs would be looking to put that aside as they gear up for the mighty El Clasico.

Barcelona’s European Nightmare Continues before the El Clasico

On Tuesday night, FC Barcelona suffered a dreadful defeat against PSG at home. The Blaugrana last week won 3-2 in Paris to put themselves in the driver’s seat. In the return leg, Raphinha extended their lead early on but it all went bad from there. Ronald Araujo was sent off with a direct red card and Barcelona ended up conceding 4 goals. The Catalonian sides’ wait for European glory continues after another disappointing exit.

Real Madrid Get the Better of Manchester City 

Real Madrid went to Manchester City all square in the tie. Prior to Wednesday, Los Blancos had never won at the Etihad. Real Madrid took an early lead via Rodrygo and then decided to park the bus. Their resistance was broken by Kevin De Bruyne’s equalizer but the Merengues managed to hold their nerves to win the penalty shootout and enter the Champions League semi finals.

Now the two Spanish giants gear up to face each other at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have an 8 point lead in La Liga and a win or a draw could well seal the title for them. Los Blancos will have to fight fatigue after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday. The Blaugrana on the other hand will be keen to give their fans something to cheer about and cut the point gap in the process.