Benzema initiates success
Reigning champions Real Madrid took the top spot in LaLiga with a deserved victory in the Cláciso against arch-rivals FC Barcelona. The “Royal” around former world champion Toni Kroos and the initially rested national player Antonio Rüdiger prevailed 3-1 (2-0) at home against Barça and ex-Munich Robert Lewandowski. Real had only been second in the table before the game because of the worse goal difference, but with the success in the direct duel they overtook the Catalans and now have a three-point lead. It was the first defeat in La Liga for the Blaugrana.
Europe’s Footballer of the Year Karim Benzema gave the hosts an early lead (12′). The Frenchman benefited from a rebound after international Marc-André ter Stegen was able to parry a shot from Vinicius Junior in the Barcelona goal. Federico Valverde raised for RB Leipzig’s next Champions League opponent (35′), another Benzema goal was disallowed for offside (53′). Barça only managed to get the goal back shortly before the end through Ferran Torres (83′), which Lewandowski prepared with a hoe. The former Bundesliga professional was unlucky in some scenes in his first Clásico and could have received a penalty. The decision in favor of the hosts was then made in injury time after a converted penalty kick by Brazilian Rodrygo (90+1).
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti did without Rüdiger, who played with a face mask in his first Clásico, until the 88th minute. The 29-year-old suffered a bleeding laceration on his head in the 1-1 draw in the “premier class” against Shakhtar Donetsk and then had to have stitches in the dressing room.
Advantage Real Madrid: This is how the last 10 Clásicos went against Barça
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