FW – Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
It has been an odd year for Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid, as frustrations hit both player and club early in the campaign. Despite an excellent start to his UEFA Champions League campaign, CR7’s scoring touch was not present in La Liga (he still actually only has four goals to his name).
Surprising losses to Real Betis and Girona were cause for concern, but there is reason to believe that Los Blancos and Ronaldo are prepared to deliver results.
Cristiano Ronaldo is always at his competitive best against Barcelona, and it will be fascinating to see if he rises to the occasion this weekend in Madrid.
FW – Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Lionel Messi tends to make the magical look routine, as football fans are just so used to seeing him dominate. But even by his standards, this season has been remarkable.
A new manager and Neymar on his way out created a challenge, and the 30-year-old Argentine has responded amazingly to that challenge.
The last time that these two sides met, Messi made sure it was a night to remember.
The forward is more motivated than ever, and he will surely bring his best to the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Next: Lionel Messi's all-time top ten goals
El Clásico is a worldwide event, and the drama that it brings will once again be intense and captivating.