By Samuel A. October 28 2024
Two quickfire Robert Lewandowski goals, followed by as many missed big chances, before sumptuous finishes from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha defined how dominant Barcelona were at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, ending a 42 game unbeaten run, which could have seen them equal Barcelona’s record of 43 if they had avoided defeat.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side could have been ahead before the break but Kylian Mbappe found himself offside six times. due to an inch perfect highline and offside trap tactic which worked out quite perfectly for the Catalan side. He also had a goal chalked off, after celebrating in what would have been a goal on his El Clasico debut.
36 year old Lewandowski, who has been absolutely immense so far this season, sparked the second half straight into life as he beat the Real Madrid weird attempt to play a similar offside trap to break the deadlock, and then netted a looping header three minutes later from a sumptuous Balde cross. Lewandowski should have settled the tie but missed two guilt edge chances, hitting the woodwork once, and skiing the second, giving Madrid hope of a fightback. However, Los Blancos was cut open twice more with Yamal and Raphinha taking advantage to record a memorable win at the Bernabeu. The result means that Barcelona are now six points clear at the summit of La Liga.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick provided a tactical masterclass as his side ruthlessly ended their rivals unbeaten streak. The high and tight defensive line held by the visitors resulted in Mbappe becoming frustrated in the first half and continuously running offside. Madrid were caught offside 12 times in the game and when they did break through goalkeeper Inaki Pena was equal to their efforts.
On the counter attack, Barcelona were ruthless in the second half with Lewandowski timing his run for the opener perfectly.
Lewandowski’s quick second was the perfect moment for the visitors who then picked off their frustrated hosts on the break. Barcelona, who face Espanyol next, would be looking to get maximum points in all their coming games to increase their chances of a LaLiga title.
