Who will step up in Messi and Ronaldo’s absence?
By Liam Bekker
For the first time in more than a decade, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will be present when Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in El Clasico on Sunday. Who will step up in their place?
El Clasico will take on a new flavor on Sunday when Barcelona and Real Madrid meet for the 238th competitive edition of Spanish soccer’s showpiece derby. For the first time in nearly 11 years, the two sides will take to the field with neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo in their respective squad sheets. While Ronaldo’s absence is permanent following his shock move to Juventus in July, Messi misses out through injury after suffering a fractured arm in Barcelona’s win over Sevilla last weekend.
For the better part of the last decade, the personal battle between the pair served as fast-burning fuel to an already fiery derby. While it was Barcelona and Messi who often came out on top (with the Blaugrana claiming 14 victories to Madrid’s nine following Ronaldo’s arrival in 2009) the pair individually dominated the fixture and accounted for a record 44 goals between them; Ronaldo’s 18 bettered only by Messi’s 26.
Barcelona, led by Ernesto Valverde, hold an early title lead over Real Madrid and their under-pressure manager Julen Lopetegui but neither of the clubs have been in top form this season. The absence of the two most recognized figures in soccer won’t make their jobs any easier, but both managers boast an embarrassment of riches when it comes to quality players. A derby win could provide a much-needed shift in momentum and these are players who could deliver the goods: