Neymar and Bale ready for their first El Clasico The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is unprecedented and as the first El Clasico of the season looms, the sides’ biggest signings- Neymar and Gareth Bale are set to take the centre stage, writes Seyi Nathaniel with agency reports The games between Barcelona and Real Madrid are always atmospheric, and often provide a gladiatorial atmosphere for the players, and this one is likely to be no exception. In a constellation of stars, both teams have an established team leader, and an aspiring newcomer, and the fate of the game may well be decided by which of these two pairs performs the better. Recent games between the two have seen battles between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the deciding factors of games; whichever of the two best players in the world wins ascendancy has settled the issue. Both Ronaldo and Messi netted for their clubs in midweek Champions’ League games against Italian opposition. This weekend’s game however, may hinge on the expensive new recruits, and which of them can step up to the plate. After his protracted transfer saga over the summer, this game will be the very essence of the reason – aside from the undoubted increase in salary – that Gareth Bale fought so hard to join Real Madrid. To play in a match-up between two of Europe’s biggest clubs, and be on the same pitch as the two outstanding players of the generation is a ‘Boy’s Own’ experience for any young player, and as the most expensive, Bale has every right to be there. The Welshman has yet to ignite his career at the Bernabeu into full flame, but a virtuoso performance at the home of Madrid’s bitterest rivals, with all of the political back play apparent, would go a long way to making endearing him to both club and fans. Meanwhile, Neymar is excited about his first meeting with Real Madrid today. The Brazil international joined Barca from Santos in the summer for £48.6m and has scored three goals in 13 games. “The Clasico is the most important game for any player. It’s the match every player wants to play in. It’s the game where each player wants to play his best football ,” the 21-year-old told the club website. He added: “This will be my first Clasico and I hope to have a great debut, preferably with a victory. I think the anxiety is the same before any match. I understand that we’re talking about a very important Clasico but I think that butterfly-in-the-stomach feeling is the same before any game.” Coach Gerardo Martino, who replaced Tito Vilanova in the summer, is not worried about coming into the game on the back of two draws. “I have no doubts on the team’s ability to perform. I would have liked to defeat Osasuna and Milan, but we’re doing well and we’re still growing,” the Argentine said. Real Madrid currently lie three points adrift of the Blaugrana, and a defeat at the Camp Nou would double that, with the gap then beginning to assume major proportions. It is therefore important to Carlo Ancelotti’s ram that they do not succumb. Given the make-up of the teams, it appears likely that the pace of Ronaldo and Bale will be deployed in the areas behind the rampaging Barca full backs, unless this is curbed by Gerardo Martino. It’s ploy that has a decent success rate for playing against the Catalans. It’s likely that attack will be the home team’s mantra, whilst counter-attack will form Madrid’s plan. Indeed, Carles Puyol has insisted he is ready to face Real Madrid should he be selected by Gerardo Martino, despite playing just one game since returning from knee surgery. Puyol made his comeback after seven months out in the 0-0 draw with Osasuna last weekend and completed the 90 minutes without any physical problems. Martino however reverted to his tried and trusted central defensive partnership of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano for the 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw with AC Milan on Tuesday. However, with Pique struggling with a hamstring strain, Puyol is readying himself to make his first appearance at the Camp Nou since March. “Just to return to training with my team-mates and be feeling good is a great joy for me so imagine what it would be like to be involved in a Clásico,” he said. “It is a game that everyone wants to play in, I just have to prepare myself and wait to see what the manager decides. During the Osasuna game I felt very good sensations. Afterwards, I had my doubts as to how the knee would react, but in the recovery sessions everything went well.” Puyol however insists that nothing will be decided on Saturday with 28 league games still to come.”There is a long way to go and the league will not be resolved in the Clásico, but it is a good match to gain confidence. People speak about the game a huge amount before, after they analyse everything, but in the end it is another game of football with three points up for grabs. Madrid is always a team that demands the most of you. They have great players and they arrive with confidence.”