Barcelona’s supporters are being tested, as they were attacked twice within a week.
Robert Lewandowski remained scoreless in his first El Clásico of his career. PDO
The 250th El Clásico in history ended with Real Madrid winning 3–1. In the opening half, the host team did not give their beloved rival a line, but before the break gave themselves a two-goal lead.
The win lifted Real Madrid to the top spot in La Liga alone. At the same time, Barcelona’s terrible week continued, as on Wednesday the Catalans’ relegation in the group stage of the Champions League was confirmed in a draw against Inter Milan.
In the 12 minutes of the first El Clásico of the season, Real Madrid built a fast attack where Toni Kroos got Sergio Busquets despite the tears of Vinicius Junior drive through. Marc-Andre ter Stegen again rejected Brass’s attempt, but chasing the title of the best player in the world Karim Benzema went to put the loose ball in.
At the same time, ter Stegen’s clean streak in La Liga that lasted since mid-August ended. Barcelona’s setback was the second of the season, but Real Madrid wanted to add to the pain of their arch-enemy. Madrid got the ball in the goal again when Federico Valverde managed to shoot from 16 meters.
Xavi couldn’t find ways to bring down Real Madrid. PDO
Barcelona’s luck at Madrid’s end was not favorable either. Raphinha’s cross was found by the Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who lifted the ball over the crossbar from the back post. For a clinical finisher, this was a rare feat.
In the second half La Blaugrana put the letter switch in the eye. The head coach Xavi reacted at the hour mark by changing three field players at once, of which Ferran Torres managed to narrow the game. Despite a hard effort, Barcelona did not manage to equalize the scores. The last nail in the coffin was hammered by a successful one Rodrygo.
Xavi, who won everything in his playing career, did not hide his disappointment. The coach who is dedicated to Barcelona doesn’t know many feelings as bad as when you lose to Real Madrid.
– We have to criticize ourselves. We know we’re not playing well, so we need to make changes as quickly as possible. Real Madrid minimizes its mistakes and maximizes its successes. That’s why it’s such a good team, Xavi commented at the press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti wanted to offer attention to the midfield playmaking genius For Luka Modric, who played 78 minutes in midfield and played a big role, especially in Madrid’s second goal. Thanks were also given to the players who came from Madrid.
– I have several players on the bench who clearly deserve a place in the starting line-up. The plan was to bring more energy to the midfield, and if things hadn’t gone this way, Rodrigo and Eduardo Camavinga would have come to the field earlier.
Five more rounds of matches will be played in La Liga before the World Cup in Qatar.