Is a Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Champions League Final on the Horizon?
Picture this: a UEFA Champions League final featuring the two titans of Spanish football, Barcelona and Real Madrid. It’s a scenario that has never happened in the 70-year history of this prestigious competition, yet here we are, tantalizingly close to witnessing such a spectacle. But are these two teams truly ready for this ultimate showdown?
Let’s start with Barcelona. Critics argue that they are too young, too inexperienced, and perhaps a bit too daring with their high defensive line. The consensus among the harshest cynics is that they might not be ready for the test of all tests. On the other hand, Real Madrid is struggling, fatigued from a grueling schedule, and missing key players due to injuries and departures. It’s a tough road ahead for both teams, and the cynics are quick to point out these vulnerabilities.
Meanwhile, fans of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Internazionale are grinding their teeth at the thought of a Madrid vs. Barça final. They have their own dreams of reaching the Munich finale, and understandably so. And let’s not forget Bayern Munich, who would likely do anything to avoid the pain and humiliation they suffered the last time they reached the final in their own Allianz Arena, only to lose to Chelsea in dramatic fashion.
The Champions League is a quixotic, often bittersweet object of desire. The truth is, both Spanish giants could find themselves clinging to survival in this elite competition, and we’re only at the quarterfinal stage. It’s a dose of realism that fans must face.
But let’s entertain the idea of a Clásico final. Why is it desirable for both the fanatical fans of Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the world’s neutral soccer lovers? Over the last 30 years, the Clásico has proven to be the only gigantic global-impact soccer match that never fails to provide brilliant entertainment. It’s a match that is never strangled by nerves, tension, or risk-averse tactics. When Barcelona and Real Madrid face off, quality, drama, technical excellence, and strategic brilliance are guaranteed.
Now, let’s add some spice to the mix. Losing is anathema for either of these grand clubs, but losing a Champions League final to their most-hated rival is the stuff of nightmares. Just ask Atlético Madrid, who suffered final defeats against Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016. The pain of such losses lingers for years.
This is precisely what draws a massive world audience when two bitterly opposed rivals meet. Think of iconic rivalries like George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali in boxing, New Zealand vs. South Africa in rugby, England vs. Australia in the Ashes of cricket, and USA vs. Europe in golf’s Ryder Cup. The event is huge, the quality is gigantic, and the victor’s laurel wreaths assure that you are an all-time great. But the edge, the mutual dislike, and the knowledge that defeat will brand you as a “loser” for all time make the combat irresistible to supporters, neutrals, advertisers, sponsors, broadcasters, reporters, and fanatics alike.
However, there’s always the question of “the field”—the rivals. Despite bookmakers selecting European champions Madrid and the young-pretenders, Barcelona, as second and third favorites for the tournament, both clubs face tests of fire if they are to reach Munich.
- Real Madrid: Madrid isn’t playing particularly well. While they’re not quite running on empty, it’s been grit, determination, and character rather than effervescence and brilliant talent that have kept them alive in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Against Arsenal, they should be better man for man, coach vs. coach, in experience, know-how, and hunger. But Madrid can’t keep a clean sheet, and Vinícius Júnior is out of form and favor.
- Barcelona: Those writing off Borussia Dortmund in their test against Barcelona may have forgotten that their previous encounter was a close 3-2 win for Barça. Barcelona plays the second leg in front of the Yellow Wall, a daunting task for a team full of teenagers. Only Robert Lewandowski has lifted this trophy before.
Should Barcelona make it through, they face either Inter or Bayern. Recent clashes between Barcelona and Inter have been knife-edge affairs, and this time, the physically bigger, more experienced Inter might bully the young Catalan side.
Spain already has two more imminent Clásicos: April 26 in the Copa final and a potential LaLiga title-decider a fortnight later. The last two Clásicos this season produced 11 goals on a 9-2 aggregate in Barcelona’s favor, with a goal every quarter of an hour and staggeringly entertaining matches.
As the quarterfinals loom, remember: every time there’s been a Clásico in the European Cup or Champions League, the winner has always gone on to the final. The last time Madrid and Barcelona met in the brutal 2011 semifinals, it produced seismic events of quality and controversy that captivated the world. If these two clubs reach the final in Munich, considering the rivals they’ll have left behind, they’ll deserve our attention and respect.
Originally Written by: Graham Hunter
