El Clásico is one of football’s biggest games every year. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona meet for the first time this season in a clash between the two best teams in La Liga. Barcelona comes into this game only 2 points behind Madrid, who are in first place. Even though it’s still early in the season, this is a big game for both teams in their quest to win La Liga.
Last season, Barcelona was unstoppable against Madrid, winning all four games between them. Barcelona came into this down a couple of key players. Raphael Dias Belloli, also known as Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski were both out for this game— a big loss for Barcelona because these two players were key factors in their four wins last season, and losing them for this game hurt Barcelona. Madrid managed to get some players back, the big one being Jude Bellingham, who played a great role in today’s game.
The game started slow as the two teams settled in. Barcelona tried to control the ball but kept giving it away, and Madrid would go on heavy counters that really tested Barcelona’s high line. Madrid saw a few chances, some of which they converted, but later turned back after review. The first real chance came in the 22nd minute when Kylian Mbappé netted the game’s first goal and put Madrid up 1-0. Barcelona didn’t wait long to equalize the score. In the 38th minute, Fermín López netted a goal for Barcelona, tying the game at 1-1. Five minutes later, Bellingham scored from a corner kick to put Madrid back on top 2-1. The first half ended 2-1, and it was a story of Barcelona making too many mistakes. The second half started off much better for Barcelona, but this is where the loss of Raphinha and Lewandowski would show, as there were many chances that could have put Barcelona on top if those two were in the game.
The game ended 2-1, and things got heated at the end with the players having to be separated. For Madrid players and fans, this win meant a lot, as they were humiliated by Barcelona last season. As for Barcelona, the losses of Raphinha and Lewandowski played a big role today, but they had enough to beat a Madrid side that didn’t really do much to beat them. Lucky for Barcelona, the season is long, but they need to find that fire that they had last season if they want to compete.
