No game illustrates the importance of mentality more than El Clasico

The biggest game in the world is one of the most angst-filled and intense derbies on the planet, but El Clasico is unique in a number of senses. While many derbies are susceptible to being bogged down in conservatism and a fear of losing more than anything else. While there is definitely a fear of losing present whenever Real Madrid or Barcelona visit each other, it is a match that always seems to deliver.

Rarely short of goals, frequently packed with world class players and always packed with controversy, El Clasico is the apex of the entertainment industry.

So often though, it seems to be a battle won in the minds of the players themselves, rather than with any specific tactical or technical explanations. With three more fixtures between the two before the end of the season, those who feel they might have a read on the mental state of the two teams may want to head to CryptoCasinos.com.

In October, the first Clasico of the season went the way of Real Madrid, 3-1. Real Madrid only dominated for a spell of around 20 minutes in the second half, but the degree of comfort with which they dispatched Barcelona was the most significant takeway from the match. Supremely confident, with a Karim Benzema who was only half-fit, Los Blancos cruised to victory.

The picture could not have been more different when it came to the January meeting between the two. Barcelona, motivated by the thought of revenge and ending a trophy drought, suffocated Real Madrid in the first half, scoring three times without response before Benzema added a late consolation. Real Madrid struggled to get near them.

There were mitigating factors in both cases. Barcelona were missing star central defenders Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo for the first encounter. In Saudi Arabia in the Supercup, Los Blancos were without several players, and severely lacking fitness.

The major difference appears to be mentality though, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen highlighted in a recent interview with The Guardian.

“I’m really happy about where we are. We’re growing again and the people should enjoy it. This is the way to go,” said the German.

Earlier in the season it was clear they were not quite as sure of themselves.

“We also weren’t really stable at the time. Many new players came and we had to find a bit of a structure. Since then I think we moved forward.”

Now, according to ter Stegen, they have the ability to “suffer in complicated moments,” as he puts it.

Real Madrid have shown on the European stage that there is no better side at reacting than them. Yet with an twelve-point lead for Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table, and three controlling El Clasico performances under their belts, time will tell whether they have destabilised the reigning champions. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have a final chance in the Copa del Rey final to prove they are still on the same level.

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