Match Report : Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho opted for the same staring line-up as in the mid-weeks defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League first leg. He bravely went on with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Meanwhile his Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola made some surprise changes in his squad, leaving out Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique on the bench. He also brought in Tello in the starting line-up.

The match started with both the teams in high spirits. Ronaldo brought in an impressive save from Victor Valdes in the 5th minute from a header. Casillas also came to the rescue after Alves had intercepted Pepe’s poor attempted pass to Sergio Ramos. In the 17th minute Pepe headed a corner but Valdes blocked it. Sami Khedira who was just beside him smashed the rebounded ball into the net. Replays showed he was just onside. Sergio Busquets and Pepe were both booked by the referee in the first half. Xabi Alonso was also booked for a tackle on Messi, although replays showed he had clearly won the ball.

Cristiano Ronaldo broke free in the 52nd minute but was rightly flagged offside. Xavi tried to score from a distance but was unable to do so, more than once.

Pep Guardiola brought in Alexis Sanchez for Xavi and his substitution paid off immediately as Sanchez scored the equaliser. Iker Casillas blocked shots from Tello and Iniesta, Sanchez got the ball then, he shot, Casilas blocked it too but then he again hit the rebound which made it’s way past helpless Casillas. Cristiano Ronaldo then scored the match-winner after Ozil passed the ball brilliantly to him from the right, Ronaldo made a great run with the ball and shot it into the net after getting past Valdes.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team

Both the teams worked hard in the midfield after Madrid’s second goal. Guardiola brought in Pedro and Fabregas, looking to turn the match in his favour. Mourinho brought in Granero to strengthen the midfield defensively. Madrid had created more chances for themselves after this goal, but couldn’t finish them well. Callejon and Higuain, too entered the field in the dying minutes of the match but couldn’t make much impact.

Higuain had crossed a wonderful ball for Ronaldo who spruned it high though. Real Madrid are almost sure of winning the La Liga now. They will concentrate on the next Champions League second leg match against Bayern Munich. Barcelona have lost two consecutive matches. Losing against Chelsea and then now, against Madrid. It’s been a bad week for Guardiola and his men.