Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed a 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season
Real Madrid claimed a 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico yesterday.
Los Blancos came back from the early blow of conceding an early Neymar goal to claim maximum points. In truth it was quite a comfortable victory in the end.
Magnificent
The two teams were packed full of stars, but it was Real Madrid’s stars that shone brightest.
The likes of James Rodriguez, Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were all outstanding to claim victory over their rivals.
The Real Madrid players stepped-up to the plate and Barcelona’s did not and that is what matters most in these big games.
Selection
Questions have been asked about Barcelona boss Luis Enrique’s team selection. The former-Spain international decided to play former-Liverpool striker Luis Suarez from the start, despite the striker playing very little competitive football since the World Cup.
The move paid dividends within four minutes when the Uruguayan set-up the opening goal for Brazilian striker Neymar. Suarez also created a golden opportunity for Lionel Messi at 1-0, but the Argentinian superstar somehow missed the chance from close-range.
It was a gamble and had Messi scored that chance at 1-0 then it would have been regarded as very much the right decision. Instead the chance went begging and Enrique was criticised for the decision as Suarez played just less than 70 minutes.
However, it was not the decision to pick Suarez that was the big selection mistake by Enrique for me, but the decision to pick French defender Jeremy Mathieu at left-back. The France international had played much of his football this season at the Nou Camp in defence.
Despite playing at left-back previously at his former clubs Mathieu looked uncomfortable in the position. He constantly gave the ball away and it hampered Barcelona, as Real Madrid hit them on the break with Los Blancos right-back Daniel Carvajal producing a superb performance.
Time and time again Real Madrid hit Barcelona on the counter-attack, as they used their pace and power to great effect. They are ideally built for hitting teams on the counter-attack and Mathieu at full-back was one of the weak links for the visitors.
Momentum
Real Madrid have started to build a great momentum after a poor start to the season. Their big players are now performing close to the top level of performance. Real’s stars produced and seem determined to keep producing.
Competitive
Yesterday’s win over Barcelona put Real Madrid just a point behind their arch-rivals, who are league leaders. Last season’s champions Atletico Madrid were always going to find it hard to challenge in La Liga this season after losing some of their key players this summer.
The race for La Liga will be very interesting this season. Yesterday’s victory could prove vital in the race for Spanish title this season. It was a wake-up call for Barcelona and their new boss Enrique. Barcelona had previously not conceded a goal in the Spanish top-flight.
There are obviously some kinks for the new Barcelona boss to iron out. Enrique is a relative rookie boss, especially compared to Real counterpart Carlo Ancelotti, so has plenty to learn but he is a Barcelona hero and has made a decent start.
Both teams have fantastic attacking talent and the league title may be decided by which strike-force scores the most goals this season. The awesome firepower of both teams is simply scary for the other teams in La Liga.
Tight
The destination of the Spanish league title is unknown and it is very early in the season. Barcelona will get stronger once the team adapt to Enrique’s ideas and way of playing. They will also become stronger when Suarez is fully match-fit.
Real Madrid already looks to be playing close to their peak at the moment. As usual the race for La Liga will be an intriguing one. El Clasico’s never seem to disappoint when it comes to drama and excitement.
Yesterday’s El Clasico did not disappoint. First blood has gone to the men from Madrid, but there is sure to be plenty more drama in La Liga this season and just like last season the title race could be a very tight one.
Are Real Madrid now favourites for La Liga this season?
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