How Real Madrid beat Barcelona this summer
Carlo Ancelotti's preparations for the coming
campaign his side in good shape, but the Catalans' chaotic close season
could prove costly as La Liga gets underway this weekend
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer
The Clasico is cooling off. Real Madrid and Barcelona have not met since early March and, after the capital club failed to overcome Atletico in the final of the Copa del Rey in May, there will be no meeting with the Catalans in the Spanish Supercopa either. Not until late October will hostilities resume. But even though the two teams have not played each other in five months, it seems Madrid have stolen an early march on their bitter rivals.
The summer has been a period of reinvention for Spain's elite. Both clubs changed coach and begin new projects in 2013-14, when they will be expected to dominate La Liga once again. But on the evidence of pre-season at least, Madrid look to be in superior shape; while Real's pristine preparations have boosted confidence ahead of the coming campaign, the Catalans' chaotic close season threatens to hurt the Blaugrana before a ball has even been kicked this term.
Madrid moved early to replace outgoing boss Jose Mourinho, setting their sights on Carlo Ancelotti and quickly getting their man. Several Spanish signings arrived in July, too, as Isco, Asier Illarramendi and Dani Carvajal were snapped up, along with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. Real still hope to buy Gareth Bale but, even without the Welsh winger, this has been a productive summer. Players have been brought in early and settled (with the exception of Illarramendi who is struggling to overcome the stress and change of scenery since moving from Real Sociedad for in excess of €30 million). A series of competitive clashes against some of Europe's top teams (with PSG, Everton, Chelsea and Inter all beaten) have seen Ancelotti's side gradually gel and evolve ahead of the kick-off this weekend, with Cristiano Ronaldo in fantastic form for the summer friendlies. --------------------- goal.com
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