ESPN FC’s Mark Donaldson and Shaka Hislop analyse the latest edition of El Clasico, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid overpowered Barcelona on their way to a 3-1 triumph.
All eyes were on the Bernabeu as Real Madrid and Barcelona met again in club football’s biggest game: El Clasico.
Naturally, with a global audience of hundreds of millions, there was plenty of reaction to the action…
Pre-game, all the talk was of how Barcelona would use Luis Suarez, who was available after completing his ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini. The answer came about an hour before kick-off: Suarez was IN the Barca XI.
Xavi was also named as a starter for the visitors; a move that raised more than a few eyebrows.
Meanwhile, as expected, the hosts began with Isco in place of the injured Gareth Bale.
While everyone discussed Barcelona’s high-profile debutant, Cristiano Ronaldo was looking, shall we say, focused.
It’s fair to say that home fans were rather excited for the game…
One interested viewer was Mexico coach Miguel Herrera, who hoped that Javier Hernandez, named as a substitute for Madrid, would get a chance to impress.
Finally, after the all the buildup, the game kicked off and, within four minutes, the deadlock was broken.
It was a lively start all-round and referee Jesus Gil Manzano soon had two very famous names to write in his notebook.
In fact, following his goal, the Brazilian was not endearing himself to his manager.
Nonetheless, Barca held off Madrid’s pressure and, halfway through the second half, had a chance to double their lead…
Meanwhile, back on “Suarez watch” the Uruguayan was quickly settling in to life with the Blaugrana. Not that that stopped some questionable puns!
All in all, it was a classic (okay, pun intended) start to, well, you know…
Ten minutes before half-time, the hosts drew level after they were awarded a penalty. One of their injured stars would soon be celebrating as one record was set and another was broken.
And so, after a non-stop opening 45 minutes, the whistle was blown. As the players retreated to the dressing rooms, those watching went for a lie-down!
There was no half-time show as such at the Bernabeu, though Graham Hunter did notice one quirk.
A coincidence, surely. Anyway, the teams duly returned to the pitch.
Neither side made a half-time substitution, which surprised many. Indeed, one prophecy was quickly to come true.
Eleven minutes later, Barcelona won a corner as they searched for an equaliser. It didn’t quite work out for them, though…
After the game started so badly, Madrid had transformed while Barca seemingly had no response.
Meanwhile, though up 3-1 and having scored already, you-know-who still wanted more!
As time started to run out, tributes to the home heroes began to be made.
The final whistle confirmed — on this day at least — los Blancos’ superiority and also marked a couple of notable statistics.
A former great who played for both teams left no uncertainty as to where his allegiances lie.
Figo’s former Camp Nou teammate, Luis Enrique, reacted to suffering defeat in his former Clasico as Barca coach and also gave his verdict on Suarez’s performance.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti paid tribute to everyone involved in Madrid’s win.
The next league Clasico is scheduled for the weekend of March 22, 2015. Bring. It. On!
