Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona: What Were The Main Talking Points As Barca Collect A Famous El Clasico Victory In The Capital?

In what will long be remembered as an El Clasico classic on Saturday night, Barcelona laid down a sensational title marker as they stormed their way to a famous 4-0 romp away at arch-rivals Real Madrid.

With Los Blancos looking to extend their unbeaten La Liga tally to 43 domestic appearances on the bounce, summer recruit and French icon Kylian Mbappe had a first-half strike ruled out by VAR.

However, while Barca might have failed to break the deficit prior to the half-time break, Hansi Flick’s new-look squad came flying out of the traps as they made what was a remarkable statement.

With Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski producing a clinical finish just nine minutes after returning from the interval, the ex-Bayern Munich marksmen doubled Barcelona’s lead just moments later.

Dominating across the pitch and breezing past the defending champions, things only got better for Flick’s high-flying squad as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal drove into the top corner from an angle, with his goal making him the youngest-ever scorer in El Clasico.

Former Leeds star Raphinha then lobbed a fourth late on for his first goal against Real Madrid as Barcelona stormed their way to a six-point gap at the top of the La Liga table.

On a night when Barca laid down what was an iconic title statement, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Saturday’s El Clasico.

Flick cements his spot as a modern era hero in Catalonia

Although some around Catalonia might have been shocked over the summer as Flick was officially announced as Xavi’s permeant replacement, Barcelona have embarked on what has become a remarkable rise under the German tactician.

Storming their way to a stunning 4-1 romp at home against German giants Bayern Munich earlier in the week, the mood in their camp was certainly at a red-hot high heading into Sunday’s trip to the capital.

Now mustering 30 points from just their first 11 La Liga appearances so far this season, Barca have also gained a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.

Marking their return from October’s international break with a 5-1 victory against Sevilla last weekend, Flick’s side have recorded an astonishing 13 goals across all competitions since returning from the fortnight interval.

Ending this weekend’s fixtures and set to sign off October holding a six-point buffer over Los Blancos and the rest of the chasing pack, Barcelona have underlined their status as one of Europe’s real surprise packages since opening up the new campaign.

Lewandowski continues to deny time

While Barcelona might have continued to shine with their rugged performances at the back since Flick’s arrival in Catalonia over the summer, it has been their attacking icon who has stolen plenty of Barcelona’s headlines this season.

Although there might have been plenty of speculation over the summer that Lewandowski could be the next European superstar heading over to Saudi Arabia, the former Bayern Munich record-breaker made it clear that he had no interest in leaving the Nou Camp.

While Lewandowski might have turned 36 back in August, the 156-cap international is arguably enjoying the form of his illustrious career and appears to be cruising his way to Spain’s Golden Boot this season.

Bagging what was a sensational quick fire double here and silencing the home support, Flick was filled with praise for the former Ballon d’Or contender and it is no secret that Lewandowski has a leading role to play across all fronts.

Along with notching three goals in as many Champions League appearances this season, Barca’s striking icon has also registered 14 goals in just his first 11 La Liga showdowns.

Ancelotti has serious questions that need answering

While Real Madrid might have mounted a dramatic Champions League comeback in the capital earlier in the week as they eventually snatched a 5-2 win against Borussia Dortmund, Los Blancos drastically failed to use that second-half flurry as a platform to build on.

Enduring what will long be remembered as a public nightmare on Sunday night, Carlo Ancelotti’s camp will be more than aware that they face a tremendous backlash over the coming days.

With the former AC Milan boss issuing a public apology to the Los Blancos support following their infamous 4-0 drumming, the defending champions still have plenty of questions that need answering.

Although Madrid might have welcomed Mbappe to the Bernabeu over the summer in what was an earth-shattering move, Ancelotti’s side already find themselves sat six points adrift of Barcelona and they have continued to show some extended defensive issues.

Including a shock 1-0 loss away at French outfit Lille on October 2nd, Los Blancos have now recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.

Match Report

Real Madrid: Lunin, Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Subs: Garcia, Modric, Diaz

Barcelona: Pena, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde, Pedri, Casado, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Subs: Gavi, Olmo, de Jong

Goals: Lewandowski (54’, 56’), Yamal (77’), Raphinha (84’)

Yellow Cards: Real Madrid: Militao, Vinicius Junior – Barcelona: Martinez, Kounde, Casado, Pena, Gavi

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Jose María Sánchez Martinez