EL CLASICO: Barcelona brush Madrid aside It was time for another grudge match in Spain. Barcelona versus Madrid is a top fixture any day and this would be no different. Both clubs have money, influence, tradition and most importantly, the best players in the world can be seen whenever El Clasico comes around. This current episode featured the best player in the world (Messi), most expensive player ( Gareth Bale ), second best and second most expensive ( Cristiano Ronaldo), the best Brazilian player at the moment ( Neymar) and several World and European Champions such as Xavi, Iniesta, Ramos, Fabregas and Pique. The venue was the Camp Nou: Europe’s largest stadium. For the first time in recent seasons, this game was bereft of the usual animosity generated by Madrid’s former manager, Jose Mourinho. Carlo Ancelotti had replaced the Portuguese and so far had avoided controversy while in Catalunya, Gerardo “Tata” Martino had come in for the recuperating Tito Vilanova. Iker Casillas (Spain and Real Madrid’s Captain) continued to warm the bench while Xabi Alonso missed out through injury. Gareth Bale and Neymar Jr were introduced to El Clasico but the Welsh International will not have fond memories of this game. Madrid were well set up for this game and started off brightly. They harried and pressed Barcelona and they seemed to be stifling the Catalans. However, that would change as the game wore on. In the 19th minute, Iniesta released Neymar Jr on the left side of the Madrid box and the former Santos star would place a great shot past Diego Lopez to put the Blaugrana ahead. That goal would energize the home fans and Barca began to assert themselves and were deservedly ahead at the break. Los Blancos came out smoking in the second half as Carlo Ancelotti rallied his troops. He made several changes to his team and they enjoyed a brief spell of possession with intermittent attacks. Victor Valdes was having a great game as he stopped Cristiano Ronaldo several times. Benzema came on for Bale and he immediately hit the post with a fantastic shot but Tata Martino would have the last laugh. He brought on Alexis Sanchez for Cesc Fabregas. In the 78th minute, the Chilean would score a brilliant goal to put Barcelona ahead and atone for several tepid displays he’s had since joining the Cules. That goal would effectively seal Madrid’s fate. Though Los Blancos rallied to score a late goal through the Cantera graduate,Jese Rodriguez, it was too little and too late. It was nothing more than a consolation. After a brief spell of Madrid dominance in recent clashes, the Blaugrana found their self belief after two consecutive draws (Osasuna and Milan) and delivered when it mattered most. On a day when Messi and Ronaldo failed to live up to their usual high standards, this game would be remembered for Neymar’s brilliance and Alexis’ glorious goal. Follow on Twitter (@fansturf)
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 19:02:33 +0000
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