Agence France-Presse
Madrid, Nov 20: An unprecedented level of security will be put in place for Real Madrid’s huge clash with Barcelona here Saturday in response to the deadly attacks on Paris a week ago.
The security threat to what is widely regarded as the biggest game in world football, with an estimated global TV audience of 500 million, has even overshadowed the return of Lionel Messi for Barcelona after a two-month injury lay-off.
Spanish government officials have promised a security presence of 2,400 police, stewards and emergency services at the Santiago Bernabeu to form a triple ring of security around the stadium keeping in mind that one of the Paris attacks happened near Stade de France.
However, the Spanish authorities insist that there is no reason to believe another postponement will be required. “It is a shame that people aren’t talking about sport, football or the spectacle, but it is the reality we live in and we can’t ignore it,” said Barca captain Andres Iniesta here Friday. “We have to try to return to normalcy. Otherwise terror wins.”
On the field, Barca lead Madrid by three points at the top of the table despite being without Messi for the last two months.
The Argentine seems certain to feature after taking a full part in training this week, but it is still unknown whether coach Luis Enrique will risk his star from the start or allow him to ease back into action from the bench. “If we can count on Leo (Messi) from the start our chances are much greater,” asserted Iniesta.
In Messi’s absence, Luis Suarez and Neymar have propelled Barca to five wins in their last six league games and scored all of the European champions’ last 17 league goals.
Real will be hoping their own much-hyped front three can perform likewise after a slow start to the season provoked by poor form, injuries and off-field problems.
Saturday will be just the third time this season that all of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema start together. The French striker will play for the first time since being charged with complicity to blackmail and conspiring to commit a criminal act in his native France.
Meanwhile, Bale needs a big performance to alleviate the mounting critics of the Welshman’s inability to perform for Madrid in the biggest games.
“I feel strong, in shape for this game and ready for the battle,” Bale was quoted as saying by Real’s website. “I want to keep trying to give my best, to work hard and to help the team win.”