The ‘much-awaited Saturday’ is finally here. For soccer fans all over the world, this is a historical day, one worthy of fables. Tonight, we shall encounter the eternal classics, as at the Spanish capital, Atletico Madrid will play their last derby against their betê noire Real at Vicente Caulderon. We will also be proud witnesses to a deus ex machina as earlier tonight, we have the “224th installment of Manchester United’s most played fixture” against arch rivals Arsenal. The Germans will be in euphoria in between the two matches as Borussia Dortmund host their nemesis Bayern Munich at Signal-Iduna-Park.
The first bacchanalia shall ensue at the Old Trafford from six tonight. It will be a clash of egos, as Arsene Wenger takes on the Portuguese Jose Mourinho’s side, the animosity only worsened by the Gunners 0-6 defeat at the hands of Mourinho’s men. As for ManUtd, things don’t seem coming up rosy at all. Ibrahimovic has been suspended after 5 yellow cards, midfield shall miss Fellaini and defence will not be the same after Smalling and Bailly both out after injuries. Arsenal shall miss Cazorla and Bellerin, latest addition to the national duty casualties.
At 7:30, this game shall only script who among Sanchez, Ozil and Pogba rise up to the terrific opportunity and get their names engraved on the sands of time.
The German ‘Der Klassiker’ starts at an hour before midnight. This will be a real regional clash. The Thomas Ruchels Dortmund shall be desperate to earn points and get into the title race. Ancelotti’s Munich is still far from best as Thomas Muller struggles and Arthuro Vidal is out. It would all come down to how Lewandowski and Mario Goetze get over their emotions as they play their previous teams.
Finally, the all awaited and one of the largest watched 90 minutes in global television, Madrid derby starts an hour and half after midnight. The Simeone’s Atletico shall be at the peak of their prowess being the only top team devoid of injuries. Griezmann is back and rearing after french duties and so are Gabi, Godin and the spaniard, Torres. But it is known to all that the Real Madrid side, inspite of the absence of Toni Kroos, Morarta and Casemiero, can be destructive as hell on their day. Lucas shall be leading with Ronaldo and the Welshman Bale and Modric will only strengthen the midfield. Rojablancos will particularly like to keep Ramos quiet. A goal spree from Ronaldo and the match can as well turn customary. Whoever wins, this is going to be a classic.
In the end, it will all be a matter of whether Plaza de Cibeles or Neptuno bear witness to the fireworks.
Nikhil Kumar
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