Messi and Ronaldo’s last chance to stop Ribery's Ballon d’Or pursuit

Saturday's El Clasico has extra significance for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the duo look to halt Franck Ribery's pursuit of the Ballon d'Or.

The France international's scintillating form inspired Bayern Munich in their treble-winning campaign last season and so far this term the 30-year-old has picked up where he left off, which makes him a strong contender to scoop Fifa's highest individual accolade ahead of the Barcelona star and the Real Madrid ace.

Will Messi or Ronaldo be able to put in a Ballon d'Or-winning display at Camp Nou?

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Neymar & Co watch Pepe horror show

Neymar is set to make his El Clasico bow as Barcelona host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Saturday and the Brazilian insists he is suitably prepared for the inevitable threat posed by Pepe.

The 30-year-old has been involved in his fair share of feisty encounters with Barcelona players, the most notable being when he stamped on Lionel Messi's hand in January 2012.

But Neymar claims he is up to speed with the defender's tricks after he received a video of Pepe's antics from the Brazil Football Confederation before his nation's friendly against Portugal in September.

Friday, October 25, 2013 12:00

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Valdes sees red as Mourinho and Ronaldo keep their Clasico cool

 

It's not been going well for Barcelona of late; they're sailing away with the Spanish title but have hit a rocky patch with a Champions League defeat to AC Milan, a Copa del Rey loss to Real Madrid and a La Liga defeat to los Blancos on Saturday afternoon, leading to pundits declaring the untimely death of The Greatest Team In History.

It all got a bit too much for goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who was sent off by referee Miguel Angel Perez Lasa after repeatedly shouting "You have no shame!" in the official's face for failing to award a late penalty to Barca.

The futures of Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo may be a little uncertain but everything's coming up roses for the Portuguese duo at the moment - now it's just the small matter of beating Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday and reeling in Barca's 13-point lead to attend to... 

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Mourinho orchestrates famous victory as Barca face the music

 

After a season blighted by poor form and in-fighting, the tides finally turned in Real Madrid's favour on Tuesday evening as they sealed a 3-1 victory at the home of rivals Barcelona to earn a place in the Copa del Rey final.

Cristiano Ronaldo's double was followed by a Raphael Varane header - the youngster's second in the two-legged tie - to ensure that Jordi Alba's late goal was nothing more than a consolation.

The £80m-man was quick to hail the side's "perfect" performance, and the joy of victory on their bitter rivals' home turf was clearly etched on Jose Mourinho's face after guiding his side to a famous win in Catalonia. 
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Valdes plays the clown as Barcelona blunder leaves Real Madrid laughing

 

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been left looking the clown after his late blunder allowed Real Madrid to pull a goal back in the Supercopa Clasico clash which ended 3-2 on Thursday night.

The first leg at Camp Nou was going in the Catalan giants' favour as goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and Xavi replied to Cristiano Ronaldo's opening headed goal.

However, Valdes' heavy touch from a pass back led to Angel Di Maria easily pouncing on the loose ball and ensuring the cup competition is not over with the second leg of the tie to be played next Wednesday.

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The night that Real Madrid fell

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Mourinho and Jimmy Jump

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