The powers that be at the Santiago Bernabeu are holding their breath as the chances of Kylian Mbappe featuring in the weekend's blockbuster El Clasico...
The powers that be at the Santiago Bernabeu are holding their breath as the chances of Kylian Mbappe featuring in the weekend's blockbuster El Clasico hang precariously in the balance. Alvaro Arbeloa's men did what was required on Sunday, securing a clinical 2. 0 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium to keep their dwindling La Liga title aspirations alive. However, in the grand scheme of things, that triumph may prove to be a mere drop in the ocean if the formidable Barcelona machine awaits them at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with a full strength side. GoalZaza has gathered exclusively that the Real Madrid medical team is planning a battery of further tests on the French superstar, who has been struggling with a knock that kept him out of the Espanyol fixture. The lion's share of the club's hopes for a miraculous comeback rests on the shoulders of Mbappe, and the thought of facing the Catalans without their marquee signing is a bitter pill for the Madrid faithful to swallow. At the end of the day, Arbeloa's men trail their arch rivals by a staggering 11 points with only four matches left, meaning even a win this weekend would only delay the inevitable coronation of Barcelona. Nonetheless, the Nigerian football community, many of whom will gather at viewing centres in Surulere and Wuse, will be watching keenly. They know that in El Clasico, form and points are often thrown out the window, and the magic of the occasion can inspire even a wounded giant to give a good account of themselves. The atmosphere in Lagos, particularly at the popular Zone Tech Park hub in Ikeja, will be electric regardless of Mbappe's availability. Fans draped in white Real Madrid jerseys will be praying for positive news from the medical room, while the Barcelona supporters, many of whom still cherish memories of Samuel Eto'o's exploits, will be taunting their rivals about the fragility of their superstar. The chatter over chilled bottles of Malta Guinness and fried plantain will be intense, with every touch and tackle analysed with the passion that only Nigerian football lovers can muster. Should Mbappe be ruled out, the viewing centres will still be packed to the rafters, as no true lover of the beautiful game can pass up the spectacle that is El Clasico.
