The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barça is historic and every season the comparisons between the two are constant. In addition, both teams tend to fight for the same titles. Without going any further, this season all three are candidates for the treble: La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. So far in their direct duels this season, the victory goes to Hansi Flick, who won the Supercopa at the beginning of the year and who stormed the Bernabéu 0-4 in the league.
Currently, in the La Liga they are bidding for the title with Atlético de Madrid. Barça, with a game in hand, are top of the table with the same number of points as second-placed Real Madrid. The “colchoneros” are third, one point behind their two rivals.
In the Cup, Hansi Flick’s side drew 4-4 with Cholo Simeone’s in the first leg of the semi-finals, so everything is still to play for in the return leg at the Metropolitano Stadium in early April. Meanwhile, Real Madrid took the lead on their visit to Real Sociedad, beating them 0-1. An advantage they hope to seal at the Santiago Bernabéu to sneak into the final of the tournament.
In the Champions League, both are in the quarterfinals, having reached them by two very different routes. To begin with, Barça qualified directly for the round of 16 after finishing second in the previous league. In the round of 16, they clearly beat Benfica with an aggregate score of 4-1. Carlo Ancelotti’s team, on the other hand, had to go through the playoffs to reach the last 16. In the last 32 they faced Manchester City, offering up two magic names typical of the Whites. The same did not happen in the last 16 against Atlético de Madrid, where they managed to qualify, but without brilliance.
Shared need
Despite both teams vying for three titles, both are already working in the offices thinking about the summer market. On their list of priorities, both have a shared need: the right back. In the case of Barça, rather than a necessity, it is an option to improve the squad and find competition for Jules Koundé, who is performing at a high level but almost without a break as he does not have a replacement that Hansi Flick is completely convinced by.
In the case of Real Madrid, it is a necessity. Dani Carvajal‘s injury at the beginning of the season, knowing that he would not be able to play again this season, was a severe blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s team. The Whites put their faith in Lucas Vázquez, who has not performed as expected, showing serious shortcomings every time he is on the pitch. The Italian coach has found the solution in the reconversion of an excellent Fede Valverde, but the truth is that with the uncertainty of when and how the Madrid full-back will return, as well as the continuity of the Galician player up in the air, it is necessary to turn to the market.
Frimpong, a 40 million euro wish
We are talking about Jeremie Frimpong, who has also been on the Real Madrid agenda as Plan B. Currently, the 24-year-old Dutchman plays for Bayer Leverkusen under the orders of Xabi Alonso, a possible future coach of the Whites, where he has been a key player in recent seasons. This has put him on the market with a big name and an affordable price of just €40 million in his buy-out clause.
Frimpong played for Celtic Glasgow before landing at the Bavarian club where he has found the space necessary to develop his full potential. As of 2021, he has played a whopping 178 official matches (28 goals and 39 assists). In addition to Real Madrid and Barça, Liverpool, if they lose Alexander Arnold, and Manchester City also have the player on their radar.