Football: Real, Barca wins boost El Clasico hype

Mourinho, Fabregas happy with their teams’ La Liga performances.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was delighted with his team’s run in the La Liga after the Spanish giants defeated Sporting Gijon 3-0 to warm up for next weekend’s El Clasico against fellow heavyweights Barcelona.

Real stretched their winning run to 14 games in all competitions courtesy goals by Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo. Mourinho praised his team’s all-round ability.

“We are winning in different ways, with quality, with team spirit, with counter-attacks,” said Mourinho. “The team is winning and we are playing well.”

Meanwhile, European and Spanish champions Barcelona hammered Levante 5-0, with Cesc Fabregas scoring a superb brace. Youngster Isaac Cuenca scored his second goal for the club, while Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez were also on target.

Fabregas heaped praise on his team ahead of the big clash against rivals Real Madrid.

“It was an excellent performance from the boys. I am very happy for the two goals that I scored. Now it is time to rest for the important games next week,” said Fabregas, in reference to tomorrow’s Champions League clash with BATE and Saturday’s trip to Madrid.

“The fans can’t wait for next week’s game, but we are only thinking about the Champions League clash tomorrow.”

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano said the team was looking forward to the match against Real Madrid.

“The feeling about the Clasico is very positive,” said Mascherano. “It is going to be a spectacular match and the whole world is watching and waiting. We are playing a great rival whom we have faced many times and we have our weapons.”

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 3-1, Villareal suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Racing Santander and Valencia got the better of Espanyol 2-1.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2011.