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‘The league will not be won in the Bernabeu’ - Former Barcelona duo Deco & Juliano Belletti tip Pep Guardiola's side for victory over Real Madrid
The duo feel that Jose Mourinho's side have closed the gap on the Blaugrana this season but insisted that the clash in the Spanish capital will not be pivotal in the title race
9 Dec 2011 16:58:00
By Enis Koylu
Getty
Former Barcelona duo Deco and Juliano Belletti have stated their belief that the Blaugrana will emerge triumphant over Real Madrid when the two sides meet on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Camp Nou club have dominated Spanish football since Pep Guardiola was installed as coach in 2008, and although Deco admits that Real Madrid have closed the gap on their rivals, Barcelona are still the dominant force.
"Madrid are playing better. I think they've come together as a team," the Fluminese man was quoted as saying on Mundo Deportivo. "If there is a team that can beat this Madrid, as it has happened before, it is Barcelona.
"Barca have to win to cut the gap, but a draw would do as well because there is still a lot left of the season."
Belletti echoed his former Barca team-mate's sentiments as he agreed that the side from the Spanish capital have closed the gap on their arch-rivals but Saturday's match will not be decisive in the title race.
"Madrid are stronger now. [Jose] Mourinho has managed to build a strong team both defensively and offensively.
"The Clasico will not decide the championship. The league will be won in the stadiums of the small teams, not in the Bernabeu."
Starting last month and continuing every Friday through to January, Goal.com will publish extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. Ahead of Saturday's Clasico, tune in on Friday for an exciting extract on how Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are closing the gap on Barca following a period of Catalan dominance. Don't miss it!
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The Camp Nou club have dominated Spanish football since Pep Guardiola was installed as coach in 2008, and although Deco admits that Real Madrid have closed the gap on their rivals, Barcelona are still the dominant force.
"Madrid are playing better. I think they've come together as a team," the Fluminese man was quoted as saying on Mundo Deportivo. "If there is a team that can beat this Madrid, as it has happened before, it is Barcelona.
"Barca have to win to cut the gap, but a draw would do as well because there is still a lot left of the season."
Belletti echoed his former Barca team-mate's sentiments as he agreed that the side from the Spanish capital have closed the gap on their arch-rivals but Saturday's match will not be decisive in the title race.
"Madrid are stronger now. [Jose] Mourinho has managed to build a strong team both defensively and offensively.
"The Clasico will not decide the championship. The league will be won in the stadiums of the small teams, not in the Bernabeu."
Starting last month and continuing every Friday through to January, Goal.com will publish extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. Ahead of Saturday's Clasico, tune in on Friday for an exciting extract on how Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are closing the gap on Barca following a period of Catalan dominance. Don't miss it!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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