Real fail to assert their dominance in el Clasico

Barcelona’s 3-1 win at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu put the Catalans back on the front foot in the race for the Spanish title.

Despite scoring after just 23 seconds Real couldn’t keep control of the match and let the champions get a foothold in the game.

Pressing

Real Madrid started the game by pressing Barcelona really high up the pitch and didn’t let Pep Guardiola’s play their own passing game. They almost out-Barced Barca for a lot of the first half. However gradually the pressing game disappeared and Barcelona took control of the game.

Once the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta got a grip of the game in the centre of the park Real were on a hiding to nothing and were always going to lose.

Ruthless

Real Madrid are usually ruthless in front of goal especially Cristiano Ronaldo but in last nights match they lacked the ruthlessness needed to beat the European Champions. Ronaldo missed guilt-edged chances either side of half-time which could have changed the game.

The Portuguese international fired wide in the first half when he could have laid the ball off to an unmarked Angel Di Maria when Los Blancos were still one goal up. Then arguably a better chance in the second half when Ronaldo headed wide when he was completely unmarked.

Those two chances could prove pivotal in the shape of the La Liga season and title race. Had either went in the advantage would have been with Ronaldo and co. Instead Barcelona went on to make the most of Real’s profligacy in front of goal.

Ronaldo had an off night and he is still yet to really impress in a Clasico. Maybe these sorts of off days have prevented him from picking up the big awards in recent years. Leo Messi didn’t have the greatest game but he had an impact and that’s why he is rated as the worlds best player.

Lucky

Even the most partisan Barcelona fan would have to admit that their team were slightly lucky to get the victory over their arch-rivals. The second Barca goal from Xavi was something of a freak effort and wouldn’t have found the net if it wasn’t for a hefty deflection.

Lionel Messi was also slightly fortunate to stay on the pitch, as the referee could have easily shown him a second yellow card for a late tackle.

Psychological

Prior to this game Real Madrid were on a run of 15 straight victories and brimming with confidence. However after this defeat it seemed like the Real players were crestfallen. The destiny of the La Liga title will be determined by how Jose Mourinho’s side bounce back from this defeat.

Barcelona needed to win to keep pace with their capital rivals and to head off to Japan with a victory. Barca won’t play in La Liga again until January as they head off to the World Club Championship.

Open

Questions have been asked about Barcelona this season because their form has been patchy, by their incredibly high standards. Some of those questions were answered in last nights game. According to some Real Madrid were about to become the dominance force in Spanish football.

This result has reminded some critics just how good Barcelona really are. The La Liga title race is now wide open and it promises to go right to the wire.

Are Barcelona now favourites to win the Spanish league title?