Selecting an El Clasico dream team

Most of you probably already know that FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid last night.

Last night’s clash was the fourth El Clasico of the 2011-12 season, with the Catalans winning three and drawing one.

At this point, it’s clearly safe to say that Barcelona still have the upper hand on Los Galacticos.

That being said, Real Madrid are probably the second best football club in the world.

In honor of the El Clasico rivalry, I will be selecting an El Clasico dream  team, consisting of stars from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Without further ado, here is the El Clasico dream team.

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Casillas, who is captain of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, is arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet.

For that reason, Casillas was the obvious selection over Barcelona’s Victor Valdes.

Right-back: Dani Alves

Brazilian international Dani Alves beat out Sergio Ramos for the right-back spot on the dream team.

Alves’ marauding runs make him an extremely potent attacker, while his pace allows him to recover at the back if need be.

Center-back: Gerard Pique

The former Manchester United center-back has established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders since leaving Old Trafford.

He wasn’t great last night, but as usual, he did the job in a winning effort.

Center-back: Carles Puyol

Pique’s partner in crime, Carles Puyol, also cracked the dream XI.

It was Puyol’s brilliant diving header that drew Barcelona level early in the second half.

From then on, you surely fancied the Catalans to emerge victorious.

Left-back: Fabio Coentrao

Newly acquired left-back Fabio Coentrao has been very solid for Jose Mourinho this season.

Coentrao, a former winger, has proven to be more than capable in defence, while simultaneously adding attacking prowess.

Defensive Midfielder: Xabi Alonso

Alonso is one of the premier midfielder’s in Europe. The former Liverpool star is a formidable tackler, a pass master and packs a fantastic long-range shot.

Central Midfielder: Xavi

In my opinion, Xavi is the best midfielder in Europe at the moment.

His passing, vision and combination play make him nearly impossible stop.

Oh by the way, he turned in another great shift last night.

Central Midfielder: Cesc Fabregas

Not many people are talking about Fabregas at the moment.

Nonetheless, he has been in superb form since leaving the Emirates in favor of the Camp Nou.

The former Gunners captain has bagged 12 goals and five assists for the Catalans in all competitions this season.

Winger: Andres Iniesta

Despite not scoring in La Liga this season, Spain’s World Cup hero has netted four goals and four assists for Barca in all competitions.

I knew there was a reason why I chose Iniesta.

Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is the most complete footballer on the planet. That is all.

Striker: Lionel Messi

He’s the best in the game, and that means everything.