El Clasico face-off LIVE, in HD and via streaming on SuperSport

The Spanish La Liga reaches boiling point when Real Madrid go up against Barcelona on Sunday 23 March on SS3/SS3HD at 8:55pm WAT and via live video streaming on supersport.com. 

For Gerardo “Tata” Martino the match is a definite must win as he has failed to live up to expectations since taking over from Tito Vilanova last July. In contrast, Carlo Ancelotti is responsible for the 10 point lead Real Madrid enjoys over Atletico Madrid (currently on 67 points) and should be the happier of the two coaches.

In true DStv Sport fashion we look at some of the tightly contested battles that will be of great entertainment in the El Clasico.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi
We expect plenty of fireworks from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. It’s been a good season for the Spanish winger, Ronaldo who won the 2013 Fifa Ballon d’Or award, beating Lionel Messi. The Portuguese international is also the leading goal scorer in the La Liga with 25 goals. Ronaldo is in good form and will be the key if Real Madrid are to win this match.

Even though Messi has been hampered by injuries this season, the Argentine has scored 18 league goals thus far and his thirst for more goals is expected to continue on the weekend.

Gareth Bale vs Andres Iniesta
After a torrid time due to injuries and inconsistency form, Gareth Bale is now more comfortable in his new club. In his El Clasico debut in October, Bale’s performance drew criticism from the media and fans alike, since then the former Tottenham Hotspur player has helped Real Madrid to some resounding victories.

The cannon (as nicknamed by the Spanish press) was a one-man wrecking crew in the 4-0 demolition of Real Valladolid, after scoring a hat-rick.

Andres Iniesta is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the world. Without the Spaniard, Barca lacks the penetration needed on attack. Iniesta was forced to play second fiddle to both Neymar and Cesc Fabregas when Martino took over as Barca coach, through grit and determination Iniesta is once again a regular in the starting eleven.

Angel di Maria vs Neymar
Real Madrid should count themselves lucky to still have the services of Angel di Maria after rumors of his departure from the Whites in the beginning of the season. The Argentine is hard to contain due to his dribbling skills and pace, if it’s entertainment that you want you will certainly get from di Maria.

Real Madrid fans had to watch in disbelief when Neymar scored the winner to hand Barca a 2-1 victory in the El Clasico at Nou Camp. The return leg will see the Brazilian eager to pull off another win for his team that is desperate to get their title race back on track.

Catch these battles and more Sunday 23 March on SS3/SS3HD at 8:55pm WAT and via live video streaming on supersport.com.