El Clasico 2010 - The World lives in Madrid at Saturday

Since early this week, El Clasico was the focus of the discussion in Madrid but even more excitement could really been felt since Wednesday, after the Champions League match between Barcelona and Arsenal.

Therefore, the media has occupied area around Valdebebas, the Real Madrid training ground. But after Wednesday, the mood has changed in the Spanish capital. The confidence gained, thanks to the leadership position has given way to some kind of fear at the thought of facing Lionel Messi.

"How do we stop this guy?" Questioned Marca.

"We are afraid of Messi," confessed AS, another sports daily in Madrid.


But if the press is concerned, the players themselves look like they're not. Guti and Cristiano Ronaldo, who came at a press conference, showed wide smile emphasis on "the collective performance of Catalan rather than on Messi".

Coach Manuel Pellegrini has also remained unmoved. "We will not make a game based on Messi. I'm not afraid of Barca. For six years I am in Spain and I played against them eleven times and I think I know them well. There are things I can not control, including individual returns. We try to base ourselves on the first match in Barcelona when we caused them lot of problems."

The Madrid is cautious but also excited. The excitement is significant among fans too. The club has indicated that it could potentially fill more than two Santiago Bernabeu (capacity of 80 000 visitors).For example, a group of New Yorkers will travel to the event after paying EUR 1 000 per VIP seat.


Barcelona wants to party

"Where to watch the game? Between friends, the bar on a giant screen ..."». All week, the question has occupied the minds of Barcelona, who prepare for Clasico 2010 as a huge party.

They all dream of dancing on the Ramblas at the end of the match, like last year after the historic 2:6 victory at Madrid.

Interesting, the excitement that you can touch in the city is not such a visible in the team.

On Wednesday's press conference, Gerard Pique has presented his book. In the hall, among the many journalists, all players were present to support the writer of the day ...

Single instruction: no talking in the Clasico. "We will respond on the ground," warned Pique.

"The atmosphere within the group is extraordinary," recently told Xavi Hernandez.

Pep Guardiola appears to bear alone the pressure on his shoulders to better protect his players. Just like last year, Barcelona players had a day-off on Thursday, two days before spectacular event. And again, like last year, team will travel to Madrid on Saturday, the game day.

As usually, the press temperature is maximum. El Mundo Deportivo has revealed the serious disease that affects Real Madrid: the syndrome of ten.

"Eliminated at November 10th in Copa del Rey by Alcorcon (third league team), eliminated at March 10th in Champions League by Olympique Lyon".... they fear the arrival of No. 10 of the Barça Saturday ... the April 10".