Soccer games are usually won in the midfield.

He who controls the middle of the pitch controls the game and there is no doubt that in the upcoming Clasico, between two sides that love possession, this is going to be all the more imperative.

The reality is that whichever side manages to dominate the ball in the middle of the park will likely pick up a crucial three points on Sunday. But which side dominates the midfield?

Barcelona

Barcelona's middle three will likely comprise Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano. With Sergio Busquets injured, Mascherano will fill in as the holder, something which is arguably his greatest strength. He has been a dominant force in tackles per game and is also adept at clearances. Granted a lot of his work as come as a center back, but those who watched the World Cup know that this Argentine player is terrific at setting the tone as a defending midfielder.

Iniesta and Rakitic are in top form, both creating wonderfully for Barcelona at a crucial moment. Both are averaging over one key pass per game, on a team where key passes go through the front three. Shockingly, neither guy is leading the side in passes per game and Rakitic is actually 10th on the side despite being key to the attack. Iniesta tends to get outpossessed a lot these days, but he is also one of the team's top dribblers. He did not fare well in the first Clasico, but a lot of that had to do with playing alongside a fading Xavi in the crucial game.

Real Madrid

Barcelona has balance with a holding midfielder and two creators. Real Madrid does not have a holding midfielder. Toni Kroos is usually the man tasked with holding the group together, but that is not his natural position and he has struggled at times in this capacity.

The team will be happy to have Luka Modric back for this game as the Croatian has helped stabilize Madrid's struggling midfield. In the game against Schalke, his presence alone allowed the team to find some creativity and rhythm against the German defense. He also helped Gareth Bale regain his confidence in the ensuing win against Levante and should be huge in this Clasico. He also gives the team a bit more balance defensively on the right wing, taking some pressure off of Bale.

Rounding out the trio is Isco, who has proven to be good on both sides of the ball. He has developed a solid rapport with Marcelo along the left flank and has linked up well with Ronaldo. He does not have the attacking presence of James Rodriguez, but he is a solid dribbler and terrific passer. In some ways, he has been the best player for Los Blancos this year.

However, the reality of the situation is that, while the three midfielders are all terrific passers, none are stalwart defensively the way that Mascherano is, making Real Madrid very susceptible to a Barcelona counter. It did not happen much in the first game as Madrid pressured incessantly, but there might be a situation in which Madrid is forced to sit back and absorb pressure from the possession-hounding Barcelona. If that is the case then the team is likely to sit in a 4-4-2 with Bale tracking back to defend more often as well. This strategy certainly insulates the middle of the pitch with Modric and Kroos likely holding together.

If Carlo Ancelotti decides for a different strategy, he might put in Lucas Silva as a holder, but there is no conceivable way that he leaves either Modric or Kroos on the bench for such a big game.

Edge

Barcelona has to hold the edge at this moment in time with the way it is playing. The team has balance, something that Madrid unfortunately lacks in its current midfield trio.