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5 reasons why Barcelona will win El Clasico

By Harry De Cosemo

Barcelona's players celebrate their 24th La Liga title at the end of the Spanish league football match Granada CF vs FC Barcelona at Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium in Granada on May 14, 2016.Barcelona sealed their 24th La Liga title as Luis Suarez took his tally for the season to 59 goals with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Granada to hold off Real Madrid's late-season surge. / AFP / CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's players celebrate their 24th La Liga title at the end of the Spanish league football match Granada CF vs FC Barcelona at Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium in Granada on May 14, 2016.Barcelona sealed their 24th La Liga title as Luis Suarez took his tally for the season to 59 goals with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Granada to hold off Real Madrid's late-season surge. / AFP / CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 8: Barcelona’s supporters makes a giant mural with the text ‘Let’s go!’ prior the Spanish league football match between the FC Barcelona and the RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou stadium on May 8, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Albert Llop/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 8: Barcelona’s supporters makes a giant mural with the text ‘Let’s go!’ prior the Spanish league football match between the FC Barcelona and the RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou stadium on May 8, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Albert Llop/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

2. Home advantage

It has become clear that the Camp Nou can be both a help and a hindrance at times. With Barcelona so much stronger than 99% of the opponents they face, the almost 100,000-strong crowd often turn up in expectant mood, making for a flat atmosphere.

Football is not theatre and players often need their fans to give them the support to perform. Against the likes of Alaves and Malaga this season, that has been a problem. In El Clasico, though, and all of the different factors that can impact the game, supporters flock to the Camp Nou with a different mindset.

When Catalans see the white shirt of Madrid, it can infuriate them, meaning that, rather than feeling a little bit like Disneyland, this weekend will feel like a red-hot cauldron.

Generally, Barcelona win their home games and nobody can stop them in top gear. If, and it is a big if, they can reach that, three points will look likely, but Real are more than capable of getting the win, particularly if they use their pace on the counter attack to its best effect.

There was a time, particularly in the Guardiola era, when Real Madrid struggled against Barcelona from a psychological standpoint. Such issues have been eradicated in the Spanish capital now, as proved by winning 2-1 in Catalonia in April, and while Clasico defeats can have a lasting impact, but the visitors can afford not to win.

Intensity will be key to deciding the fate here, and with everything riding on it for Barcelona, playing on familiar ground could really improve their chances.

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