EL CLÁSICO
Pedja Mijatovic: "I recommended Modric to Mourinho"
As for tomorrow's Clásico, the ex-Real Madrid player told 'El Larguero': "We can't say the league is decided but it will be difficult for Barça to get back if the distance is nine points".
A word in Mou's ear
Former Real Madrid player and Technical Secretary Pedja Mijatovic revealed that it was he who tipped José Mourinho off about Luka Modric, as a favour, long after he had left the club. A guest of last night's 'El Larguero' radio show, Mijatovic also looked ahead to tomorrow's clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Modric tip-off: "That was a recommendation of mine to Mourinho - as a friend, when he was in charge at Real Madrid. They ended up signing him. I've known Luka for many years, I've followed him since he was at Dinamo Zagreb. I've always loved him as a player, although when he first arrived there were a few doubts about whether he would fit in as he's not a typical, tall and strong midfielder".
Madrid could potentially break away at the top
If Madrid prevail in the Clásico, it will be a hammer blow to Barça's title chances: "I'm not entirely sure about that, these games are very difficult but it's a good chance for Madrid to increase their advantage; it's an opportunity to stretch the lead to nine points - it's feasible, but even so, we won't be able to say the league is done and dusted but it would be hard for Barça to get back into contention if they are nine points off the lead".
Big loss
Bale: "He's an important loss for Madrid, there's no doubt about it. He had a great start to the season and I think that while he hasn't quite reached Cristiano's level, but he is still a very important loss for the team. I hope Zidane finds a solution".
Favouritos to win el Clásico: "There are no favouritos, regardless of the form you are in, that doesn't count for much. As for Real Madrid's erratic form of late... we'll see how they get on on the day. Madrid have been up and down - they're capable of putting in a perfect performance, then they play three days later in the Champions League and suffer... but even when they have been erratic, they have not lost their games. But with Barcelona, you get the impression that they have no more to give. They are a massive team, a rival which has been wounded by their recent results and that makes them extra dangerous; Madrid need to be careful".
Key players
Which Barça player would prefer not to play tomorrow? "Neymar. I love that player. He's so different, he's in another dimension. He would have been a good signing for Madrid, if they had been able to sign him back then".
Cristiano Ronaldo: "Cristiano is an authentic phenomenon who can resolve a game in a minute".
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| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
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| Upcoming matches |
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