Barcelona opens with all of the possession...shocking I know. A couple adventures in to the Madrid box, or at least just outside of it, but they've yet to threaten Iker Casillas in goal.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, 2012 El Clasico: Teams feeling each other out early
Madrid looked content to absorb pressure and try to break-up a pass and launch a counter attack, but as things settled they began to pressure more and move forward. They were able to make a foray in the attacking third about six minutes in, but Angel di Maria’s shot sailed high over the cross bar. Madrid also made some probing long balls, testing the unusual central defense alignment. Mesut Özil got behind the defense in the 7th minute, but the pass was just a touch too far and was collected by Victor Valdes.
Adrian is indeed playing alongside Javier Mascherano in the central defense, which is confusing at the very least. I'm sure Tito Vilanova has a reason for the move, but I have no idea what is it. Of course, if Barca dominate and keep clean sheet, he'll look like a genius.
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