Real Madrid Outplays Barcelona in El Clasico, 1-3

Real Madrid came out as the winner from today’s El Clasico, defeating Barcelona at Camp Nou, 1-3. Los Blancos were more efficient than their big rivals while following all the instructions Zinedine Zidane gave them. Also, they had fantastic Thibaut Courtois in front of the goal.

It was a superb moment for the French manager and his team, particularly after a nasty loss they would experience against Shakhtar in the Champions League. Just to remind you, Real was beaten at home 2-3, and Zidane found himself under a lot of pressure, with some insiders even mentioning his departure from Bernabeu. That, however, won’t happen following today’s victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJArNPTOTQI&ab_channel=Mant%21

The 245th El Clasico began with two goals in the first eight minutes; Real taking the lead and Barcelona reaching up. Karim Benzema assisted Valverde in the fifth minute for 0-1 and a furious start for the champions. Some 180 seconds later, Ansu Fati once again showed his potential, with the teenage sensation executing one nicely played action between Messi, Alba, and him.

Leo Messi took over midway through the first half, endangering Real’s goal in several situations. Not only did he himself tried to score, but also set up solid positions for his teammates. Though, Los Blancos had Courtois ahead of the net, with the Belgian denying a few solid attempts coming from the rival’s side.

“We did what the manager wanted us to do. They’re a very strong team. Jordi Alba was influential down the left-hand side, and that’s where their goal came from. I had to make some saves, and so did Neto,” Real’s goalkeeper said.

Barca continued to attack after the halftime break, with the best opportunity for scoring coming after 10 minutes of play. Philippe Coutinho was alone at the far side of Real’s goal, but his header was wide near the post. If he had a bit more composure, the result could have been different.

Only seven minutes after that, the situation that solved the match took place in Barca’s box. Lenglet was pulling Ramos, who fell, forcing the referee to check the VAR system, after which Real got a penalty. The opinions are divided regarding the call; some agree, some not. Ronald Koeman wasn’t very pleased with the decision when speaking following the match.

“It has had a lot of influence. I don’t understand VAR, I think it’s only VAR when it’s against Barcelona. These grabs always happen in the area. We have played five games and none have benefited us. The Getafe cards …. We don’t deserve to lose so”.

Sergio Ramos gives Madrid a 2-1 lead from the penalty spot ⚪

Should he have had the penalty for this pull on his jersey in the first place, though? 🤔

The referee awarded the spot kick after a lengthy VAR review 👀 pic.twitter.com/SCQyVpPuhS

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 24, 2020

His boys gave everything to score and come back into the game, but without any success. Furthermore, the guests added another goal to their tally, with Luka Modric putting his name to the scoresheet in the 90th minute. It was a finish of a glorious sequence for the Los Blancos, who are once again topping the La Liga table.

They had a harsh period in the previous seven days, with two straight losses, both at home, against Cadiz and Shakhtar.

“It wasn’t an easy week for us,” Courtois stated. “We played games very quickly after coming back from the international break, and we weren’t at our best against Cadiz and Shakhtar.”

Barca now has three straight in the domestic championship without a triumph, a draw against Sevilla, and then the losses against Getafe and Real. Koeman didn’t start as planned, and it seems that the Dutch coach has a lot to work on in the next few weeks.

Up next, both sides have UEFA Champions League games coming up. Real travel to Monchengladbach to face Borussia, while Barca meets Juventus in Turin.