A trophy is a trophy, doesn't matter what trophy it is. True competitive teams take every championship seriously, and that's what makes historical teams special. The 2014-15-16 version of Barcelona wants to be special, and after winning a Treble in the first part of this year, and getting the European Super Cup to start this new season, the goal is the end the calendar year with another trophy, the Club World Cup.
After a good training session against Guangzhou Evergrande that was officially called a semi-final, the Blaugrana will now face a true, real challenge for their silverware: Copa Libertadores winner and Argentinian powerhouse, River Plate. The Millonarios have been on a phenomenal run in South America since last year, and they want to cap off a sensational redemption story with an impossible mission: beating the best team on the planet.
This match matters, regardless of what people try to make you believe. The reason why this Barça 10-year run has been so special is the fierce, unstoppable will to win every single championship they are going for. It won't be different on Sunday, and that's why this match is so good.
Can Barça show why they're the best or will River shock the world?
Barcelona Team News: Thursday morning's practice against Guangzhou did not need Lionel Messi or Neymar Jr., who both missed the game with different injuries. But the two went through the full training session on Saturday, and are available for selection. The Blaugranes will face a much better, more physical defense, and will need the full 'MSN' trio ready to create magic.
Luis Suárez is certain to start again, and might be able to hold his own against the Argentinian giants. His hat-trick in midweek was the first ever in Club World Cup competition, and confirmed why The Uruguayan might just be Barça's best overall performer this season. Andrés Iniesta was simply spectacular against Guangzhou, and another dominant game from the captain will be appreciated. The defense was in good shape, and should not be changed by Luis Enrique. It's a special match for Javier Mascherano, who came through River's youth system and still loves his childhood club.
With 'M' and 'N' probably back, we might as well see the Gala XI for the first time all season, and what a perfect time for that.
River Plate Team News: The Millionaires did not have an easy semi-final like Barça, instead having to go through a nail-biter against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. But thanks to special young striker Lucas Alario, River confirmed their favorite status and set a date with the Catalan giants. The schedule gave the Argentines one extra day of rest in comparison to Barça, but they won't have that big of an edge in fitness since the European Champions had such an easy semi-final.
River has a few very good, dangerous players that deserve plenty of attention. The aforementioned Alario is a big, yet quick forward with skilled feet, and will cause problems if given space by Piqué and Mascherano. Kranevitter, already committed to Atlético Madrid for January, is a special defensive midfielder who can guard and pass with the same competence, and will give Barça's advanced midfielders trouble, on both sides of the ball. Carlos Sánchez is a right side beast, who will check the left-back and find spaces in counter-attacking plays. He's skilled and very aware off the ball, and will need some eyes on him.
This will not be a cakewalk for Barça, and River is good enough to pull off an upset. They're good, they're efficient, they know how to defend but can also create with possession, not only fast breaks. It's a complete team, plus they're South American, and these teams give their life against European teams in Club World Cup finals.
If Barça's offense is at its best, this should be a good win. If not, get ready for a thriller.
Prediction: It will be tense and difficult, but the better team will eventually shine. Not easy, but 3-1 victory. And another trohpy. That'll make you happy, right?
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