Top-level football clubs need midfielders who can make a difference in the centre of the pitch, and both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have several quality players in that position.

Barcelona can virtually seal La Liga with a win against Real Madrid or Los Blancos can make it a tight race again.

A win wouldn't mathematically end Real's one-year reign atop La Liga, but it would signal its imminent demise.Then comes this match, and a seven-point lead with only three match days left would signal Barca's return to domestic dominance.