~Snip
Real Madrid is still the leading team in Europe, it was impossible in yesterday's match to hold Man City at home and at the same time embarrass them at home, it is clearly difficult that this season Real Madrid will regain control of the Champions League even though there are still many clubs who are candidates, but it seems that it is already visible that Real Madrid will emerge as winners of the Champions League this season.
Real Madrid did not embarrass Manchester City at home, the penalty was 50:50 and basically Manchester City was the better team in terms of play. Real Madrid only plays a defensive game by relying on the ability and agility of its goalkeeper, that is a fact. I don't see Real Madrid winning like the king of the Champions League title, but they win fortunately with a penalty shootout. But whatever it is, all Real Madrid fans are proud of the results they got, especially after preventing the defending champions from qualifying for the semi-finals.
8 points are not that safe for Real Madrid as much as possible. Real Madrid must continue to distance themselves from Barcelona and Girona even though it is very difficult for Girona to catch up or overtake Barcelona and Real Madrid. It seems that Girona will look for safety to remain in 3rd place in the standings, Barcelona will continue looking to get points after points in every match because that's the only way for them to get trophies this season and they don't want to end the season without getting any trophies from this season.
Barcelona did not come to the Bernabeu to take top spot from Real Madrid. The 8-point gap between the two teams is the reason why Barcelona just wants to play, but the prestige for this match is always there. Xavi will try everything to win and improve his record in El Clasico, but it is clear that it will not be an easy task, especially after they failed in the Champions League.
Xavi's main focus is to keep his team in the Champions League zone. They are no longer chasing a title this season which already seemed impossible to hope for, so in essence Real Madrid are the favorites while Barcelona just want to play and win.