FC Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: Match review | La Liga
Real Madrid delivered arguably their most impressive win of the season, ending FC Barcelona’s unbeaten run in La Liga and securing the three points.
The Merengues controlled the midfield for much of the match, while the backline kept Barcelona’s front line in check and dealt with every attack solidly.
Real Madrid put on a defensive masterclass
Aurelien Tchouameni has been a shadow of himself this season, not performing to his full potential and the opponents are taking advantage of his complacency.
But the Frenchman blocked the outside noise and stepped up in the biggest game in club football. Last-ditch defending, blocking any line-breaking passes – you name it. He had an answer to everything.
Marc Cucurella meanwhile showed why Florentino Perez signed him, as the Spaniard kept Lamine Yamal quiet the entire game. He followed his fellow compatriot anywhere on the pitch and made it difficult for Lamine to even breathe.
Yan Diomande was a menace to deal with and constantly posed a danger on the left flank. Coincidentally, it was his pass that led to Real Madrid opening the scoring.
Arda Guler wove his magic at the Camp Nou and continues to show that he was worth every penny. His partner in crime, Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, scored his 14th goal (11 matches) against the Blaugrana and his 8th goal in El Clasico (7 matches). He also reached 100 goals for the Los Blancos – quite the occasion he chose to reach this milestone.
An honourable mention to Andriy Lunin as well, who would not have even started, but a flu to Courtois meant the Ukrainian was starting tonight. Perhaps he made the most important save of the match, saving a brilliant Gerard Martin header and preventing Barcelona from equalising.
Not that this win changes either of the team’s positions on the table, but Real Madrid are now 1 and 3 points off Atletico Madrid and Barcelona respectively. It’s all to savour for Jose Mourinho’s men as they also take a lead in head-to-head El Clásico victories.
