Benzema, Valverde and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet as Real Madrid gave Xavi’s FC Barcelona a Reality Check in Sunday’s El Clasico.
Ferran Torres scored a consolation goal for the visitors as Real Madrid eased to a comfortable 3-1 win over their arch-rivals. Before kickoff, Barcelona was top of the Spanish League, ahead only on goal difference.
Heading into the match Real Madrid had all to lose at the top of LaLiga but a dominant display not only ensured that they are 3 points clear of Barcelona but also exposed Barca’s inferiority despite a busy summer in the transfer market.
Work In Progress
FC Barcelona’s defeat in the El Clasico shows the difference between them, a work in progress, and Real Madrid, a well-balanced team at the peak of its form. Barca had more possession (56.2% to 43.8%) and more shots (18 to 8), but Real Madrid was simply more clinical.
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Split in the Middle
Real Madrid midfield maestros Luka Modric and Toni Kroos were crucial in Real Madrid’s win carving Barcelona to shreds with vertical through-balls. FC Barcelona’s backline, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia could not contain the ageless flair of the two Madrid midfield stars. Modric was given a standing ovation for his performance when he was subbed off in the 78th minute. He then tweeted his thoughts on playing for Real Madrid in the El Clasico.
Read Also: The History of El Clasico: Real Madrid Vs Barcelona
Karim Benzema was first on the scoresheet, just 12 minutes in, with Toni Kroos playing a major role, delivering a pin-point through-ball while being pulled back by Sergio Busquets. Valverde scored Real’s second past the half-hour mark. The El Clasico was not over yet as tensions rose with Ferran Torres pulling one back for the visitors after halftime.
However, a late controversial penalty by Rodrygo ensured Real Madrid bagged all three points.
Next Fixtures
Real Madrid faces Elche, away, in LaLiga before hosting Sevilla, at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday
FC Barcelona host Villareal on Thursday and Athletic Club on Saturday, at the Camp Nou
