Cannavaro tells Madrid to play like Chelsea

REAL Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has urged his team- mates to “play like Chelsea” if they are to defeat arch rivals Barcelona in tomorrow’s ‘el clasico’ (Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm).

Chelsea ended Barca’s 19-month unbeaten record in Europe with Wednesday’s 1-0 win, and Jose Mourinho’s side could have scored a lot more but for some woeful finishing in front of goal.

Cannavaro is adamant they need to emulate the English champions’ style of play if they are to get a positive result at the Bernabeu.

“Chelsea were stronger than Barcelona,” said the Italian World Cup-winner. “They showed a lot more commitment and belief when going for the ball. We need to play like them if we are going to win.”

The Catalan giants outclassed Real in the corresponding fixture last season, romping away to a 3-0 victory.

Samuel Eto’o notched the first goal that day, and despite the Cameroon striker missing this weekend’s game with a long-term knee injury, Cannavaro is adamant Madrid still need to be aware of Barca’s attacking threat.

“They still have Eidur Gudjohnsen, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, who are all capable of scoring goals,” added Cannavaro. “Everyone knows about Ronaldinho, he is a phenomenal player, I don’t know how you stop him.

“When your rival has a forward like that you simply have to cross yourself and hope for the best.”