If Real Madrid and Barcelona have become a little too similar for the comfort of the majority of their fanbases in recent years, Culers will be delighted that the two clubs appear to be careering in opposite directions with less than two months remaining in the season. The Champions League quarter-finals are the prime example.
Regardless of luck, it’s been great football to watch for the fans—many of whom also enjoy entertainment off the pitch. In fact, the passion and energy of football have inspired the themes of countless slots online, where elements like club colours, iconic players, and stadium anthems serve as the backdrop for digital gameplay.
Less than two weeks later, the portrait has shifted dramatically. Barcelona destroyed Borussia Dortmund in the second half of their quarter-final, and Real Madrid were destroyed by Arsenal in London. In Barcelona, there is talk of a contract extension for Hansi Flick, while Ancelotti’s job security is reportedly ‘hanging by a thread’. Los Blancos’ superstars seem to struggle for cohesion above all else, while Barcelona’s team spirit is one of things that Flick has praised most.
Nevertheless, both sides are only halfway to the semi-finals or elimination. For Real Madrid, their 3-0 deficit to Arsenal, is on paper, something perhaps they and only they can achieve. Possessing what is probably the most talented forward line in football, Real Madrid have a history of logic-defying comebacks in the Champions League. Ancelotti has been behind a number of them, and the fear from opposition that comes with that is something only they possess.
Still, Madridistas will point out that Los Blancos must first refute the evidence before their eyes: Real Madrid have not looked like a team all season. Struggling to defend against the likes of Leganes and Real Sociedad, it is hard to imagine them coming out with a clean sheet or anything other than an aggregate defeat based on the evidence so far.
On the other hand, Barcelona looked so rampant against Dortmund that even a defeat on the night in Germany would be something of a shock. For Flick, their trip to the Signal Iduna Park will be focused mostly on ensuring they continue their momentum from recent weeks, as much as getting through. If the conclusions appear obvious, football usually has a trick up its sleeve more often than not.