Atlas Lion

Comical defending from both teams. Good game nonetheless

http://firstrowusa.eu/soccer/first-real-madrid-barcelona-row54b238

Suarez Starts

Mascherano will partner Mathieu at CB. Bale out is a huge blow for Madrid.

------------Diego Costa---------- Ronaldo---Fabregas-----Bale ---------Matic-------Modric------ Filipe Luis-----------------Ivanovic ----------Terry------Varane--------- -----------------Cech------------------- Hard to leave out Hazard, but this is the ideal team.

Okay. Now why?

Physically? How many times has Ronaldo been knocked to the ground compared to Messi? Messi's low centre of gravity has him rarely on the ground and even competes with very large footballers in aerial battles. Look at 2010 vs Maicon, completely battered the lad. Again, Ronaldo's form is purely based on goal scoring instincts. Since when has 'insert amount of goals you scored' determine who is the better footballer? This isn't directed at you but you don't need to watch youtube videos or listen to statistics to find a better understanding, just sit down and watch them both. It is ever so blatant that Messi's overall game is on a whole other level. BTW, West ham scored their 2nd!

What a save!

Heading and step overs. Ronaldo loves them step overs considering they rarely work and just make him look like a mug.

Messi has continued to adapt his game, from being a winger, to a false 9, and now to an even deeper role. I don't care how many goals Ronaldo scores, even though his instincts in front of goal are legendary.I find it funny how some are basing player ability on how many goals they score. Messi's overall game is superior and is on a league of his own. Both Ronaldo and Messi have set the standard and we won't we a footballer of their calibre for a while.

Cesc as a false 9 would be great, if Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, and Busquets are supporting him in a possession minded transition....except we don't play that nor do we have the players capable of establishing a game like that.

Hook, line, and sinker.

Cesc. Until we purchase Thiago and beats him to it.

That story is so old mate

Last time we were there, Mourinho had Schurrle and Oscar close down Carrick because he was their main component in transition. Hopefully this time around, we won't have to play on the counter and instead bring it to them.

Can see this ending in a draw tbh.

We turned to shite the moment he left as well...

Anyone notice the banner "Liverpool, Royalty of Europe" before the match? Embarrassing They even started the better team before Ronaldo scored.

Ronaldo's instincts in front of goal are legendary

Fair enough.

I'm curious to know as how Varane is better, what does he excel at that Inigo doesn't?

Do you watch Sociedad? I'm just assuming due to Vela, but Inigo is fucking quality in every sense. Not a more underrated centre back atm.

He's played at youth level for France since he was 17. I'd take Inigo Martinez over Varane any day.

Henry, Eto'o, and Villa all managed to get 20+goals the seasons where Messi won the Ballon D'or 2009-2012 so to say they were struggling whilst trying to accommodate him is bit of a rash claim, as well as claiming the decay in attacking players due to the responsibility of as you say, 'feeding Messi', when infact that Spanish national side has been going downhill as well considering the main core of the national team pertain to Barca's golden generation. Both Xavi and Iniesta were the focal points and its become blatant that their ability is diminishing. We can't forget the fact that Barca lacked an out and out goal scorer like Villa was until the purchase of Suarez. Pedro, Neymar, and Sanchez do not have those instincts. Ibra wasn't cast aside due to Messi struggling whilst playing with him as the media portrayed it to be, it was down to the simple concept that Ibra did not complement their style of play, at all. Barca do not play with a target man and the amount of times Ibra has ruined their rhythm and attacking transition was apparent to Guardiola, hence his transfer. Argentina's biggest mistake was to continue to play Messi in the hole rather than his usual attacking free flowing self. )When you consider the variables, control, vision, versatility and the ability to play from deep, natural finishing instincts, as most importantly, consistency, that's what separates Messi from Ronaldo. That's roughly debatable but i agree with you, Ronaldo had to go against the likes of Zidane, Rivaldo, and Figo where as Messi had to go against the likes of C.Ronaldo, Iniesta, and Xavi. All players who will go down as some of the formidable best in their respective countries,