El Clasico Build-Up: Real Madrid's Lead-In To The Barcelona Trip

Action In The Madrid Derby

Yet the sensation died out in the end but not before Madrid had been battered and bruised in the last 15 minutes (including the five minutes of injury time) when according to stats mentioned on one podcast, the 31 times Spanish champions had possession for only 45 seconds. Only 45 seconds.

Home Comforts... Or Discomforts

Yet as much ridiculous it may sound - and indeed it sounds ridiculous - and as much 'crisis-ridden' Madrid are labelled by the media hound-dogs - and indeed they are crisis-ridden but not in the way most construe - Pellegrini's side are only one point behind Barcelona in the league title race. And they do have a decent chance of leapfrogging their arch rivals at the end of this weekend's round of matches when they host Racing Santander, while Barca face a demanding trip to Athletic Bilbao.

The Cantabrians have just changed their coach and are one place above the relegation zone, although level on points with third-from-bottom Atletico. A victory over the Verdiblancos is very much likely and that too at home. But Kaka and co. have looked uncomfortable at the Bernabeu and have struggled under the pressure and boos of their owns fans, who have the weird attitude to stab their players rather than back them up when things are going against them.

And as far as the Champions League is concerned, Madrid - for all their 'humiliation' by 'old' Milan at home and defensive frailties - are in a better position than reigning European champions Barcelona. Level on points with the Italians at the top of Group C, Madrid confront FC Zurich at the Bernabeu in midweek. Last time the two sides met, Los Merengues ran out 5-2 winners away from home. Another victory and knockout stage qualification could be in the bag with one game to spare.

High Five Against Zurich Again?

No, this is not to suggest that Madrid's next couple of outings are going to be breezy run-ins and their opponents as easy to push over as it is easy to coax a booze-soaked girl on Saturday nights, but it is unlikely that they would drop points or have to face the same kind of physical and mental test the Blaugrana will have to confront.

No Ronaldo, Any Problem?

Yet the absence of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo for the two matches before the biggest game in the universe cannot be overlooked. CR9 has been absent in all the games Madrid have lost while in the games they have won, they have not looked very entertaining or convincing. Of course, even without Ronaldo, Madrid are a star-studded side who should win games comfortably, but the Portuguese international is a player who injects a sense of unpredictability and romance, someone whose mere presence is enough to rip apart the clouds and smuggle in a ray of hope or two.

And as so appropriate for the man who almost literally makes the world a stage and he the only actor - remember the 75,000 or so Bernabeu faithful feeding off his hands on his presentation? - Ronaldo is to make his comeback for the Clasico. Which would nicely set him up to score a wondergoal or two and make himself an even bigger hero.

Madrid's formation has altered in games and there is yet to be a concrete starting eleven or even a fixed system that Pellegrini is happy with. Ronaldo's return would import some stability and with Gonzalo Higuain on the right and Ronaldo on the left Madrid would have pace, creativity, tricks and effectiveness along the flanks. Add Kaka in the central attacking midfield, Karim Benzema ahead of him and Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra behind him and suddenly confronting Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry does not seem daunting anymore.

At least, not on paper.

Subhankar Mondal, Goal.com

Click here for Barcelona's run-in to El Clasico