The world stops spinning on its axis when Barcelona and Real Madrid collide, and this Sunday will be no different.
In the campaign's first encounter, a clinical Madrid to blitzkrieged Barcelona's back line en route to a 3-1 victory. A record-setting winning streak catapulted Los Blancos atop La Liga's table, but poor form has allowed Barcelona to overtake them; however, only one point separates the two.
Even with 22 of the world's elite footballers taking the pitch, all eyes will remain fixated on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but certain individual battles will determine Sunday's contest.
Below are the three matchups worthy of analysis.
Luis Suarez vs. Marcelo
Make no mistake about it, defending is optional for Marcelo. The left-back's propensity to overlap and make forward runs leaves a myriad of space down the club's left channel. Especially with Ronaldo deployed as a left forward. With Messi playing more of a central role, Suarez has drifted to the right side of Barcelona's formation. Still one of the games most potent strikers, Marcelo's defensive work and ability to track back will be called upon.
Sergio Busquets vs. Isco
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Isco's game has transformed from that of a No. 10 to one with a defensive bite. In 25 league appearances, the 22-year-old is averaging 1.8 tackles. Winning the ball back for Madrid will be of the utmost importance, especially soon after Busquets has recovered it in the attacking half. If Madrid hope to protect Sergio Ramos and Pepe with the midfield partnership of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Isco must be on his defensive game at the Nou Camp.
Jordi Alba vs. Gareth Bale
To his credit, Alba's defensive abilities are more respectable than his opposite, Dani Alves; however, given Bale's recent form, the 25-year-old will be challenged like never before.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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