Barcelona smashes Real Madrid in “El Clasico”
Thumbnail Photograph: Javier Barbancho/Reuters
Barcelona humiliated Real Madrid with a peremptory 0-4 in the classic of Spanish soccer “El Clasico.”
The Blaugrana approached the match as the underdog, considering the fifteen points gap with their rivals and the fact that the Blancos were on their best Clasico run in years, having triumphed in the last five meetings.
On the counterpart, Real Madrid was missing one of his most representative players, French striker Karim Benzema, for a calf injury.
However, as it usually happens in soccer, previsions are made to be denied.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was the man of the match, scoring two goals (29’, 51’) and providing an assist to Ferran Torres for the third one (47’).
Photograph: Juanjo Martin/EPA
Raul Arrajo recorded the second score, smashing home a cross by Ousmane Dembelè at minute 38.
Throughout the match, Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to change the shape of the team several times.
Xavi, former Barcelona legend on the field, called to help the team resurge after a long, blurry period, literally outwitted the much more experienced Italian coach.
Surely, it was a strange game. Not only for the result but also for the lack of two of the most representatives players and heroes of the most recent Clasicos.
Leo Messi for Barcelona, and Sergio Ramos for Real Madrid.
The two are currently joining forces in France, at Paris Saint Germain, with very disappointing outcomes.
Photograph: EFE
As voices of their shared sadness keep bouncing around, Marca discussed a possible comeback in Spain for both of them, commenting it as “impossible” as the image of PSG would be severely downsized by admitting the failure of two of their most acclaimed acquisitions over the past summer.
With new protagonists, the Clasico didn’t let their audience down.
Might such a major victory represent the beginning of a new cycle for Barcelona?
Time will tell.