There was a lot of a pre match hype regarding the Clasico and rightly so, as this match changed the league table with Barcelona climbing up on the top to displace Real Madrid.
The match started out in the most spectacular fashion when R.M took a lead by scoring the fastest goal in the history of the El Clasico. The goal came in just 21 seconds into the game with Barcelona being caught off guard. Though, it was a mistake on part of the goal keeper of Barcelona – Victor Valdes – we can’t take the credit away from Real Madrid from attacking Barcelona at full throttle form the start of the game. Their immediate attacked undid Barcelona and forced them to commit an error which Real Madrid was more than happy to capitalize on.
Real Madrid had pushed Barcelona all the way back to their goal and Victor Valdes made a dismal clearance which ended up with Di Maria who immediately placed a ball towards Ozil whose shot hit Busquets and went to Benzema. The finish by Benzema was a sublime one indeed and Valdes was left embarrassed as Real Madrid players went to celebrate.
It can be safely said that Real Madrid dominated the earlier part of the game. Both teams pushed hard to score a goal and it seemed that Real Madrid might just be able to increase their lead when Lionel Messi exhibited why he is such a class act. 30 minutes into the game, as Messi was casually dribbling with the ball in his half, he surprised everyone by making a brilliant run through the half line and taking on the Real Madrid team.
His strength and control was unbelievable as even though he took on a nasty challenge from Diarra, he managed to deliver a killer ball whilst being off balance. The ball went to Sanchez who was in a good position away from his marker. His angle was tight and Cassillas rushed into him to further close his angle, but he produced a brilliant first touch to control the ball and finished with finesse. It was an excellent goal with excellent skills from both Messi and Sanchez..
The scores were leveled 1-1 at half time and just 8 minutes into the half, Barcelona produced their second goal. In all fairness, Barcelona was lucky with this goal just as Real Madrid had been earlier with their first goal. Barcelona was trying to penetrate the half of Real Madrid with their killer passes as is customary for them. Ramos intercepted and tried to clear the ball but he mis-shot and his clearance went to Xavi who produced a spectacular volley which was off target but took a deflection of Marcelo and went into the goal as Cassillas was left off footed.
The last goal by Barcelona which very well sealed the game came in the 66 minutes. It was a beautiful piece of football which totally outclassed the defense of Real. Messi and Alves combined to deliver the perfect ball to Fabregas who produced an excellent header to put his team 3-1.
It seemed that the game was over for R.M after that goal and perhaps it was as they pushed on but were unable to close the lead of Barcelona till the final whistle.
Oh what a game it was! Real Madrid were the favorites and they were well on their way with their first goal coming so early. They missed some crucial chances and Barcelona showed their true class by coming back from behind and finishing the match with a lead of 2 goals to move at top of the table.
Has this match defined the current season of the La Liga? We’ll find out in a few months.
Camisetas Inglaterra Noticias de Fútbol – Diario de Noticias de Navarra
