5 reasons why Real Madrid failed in the El Clasico

#2 Sergio Ramos’s moment of madness

Ramos was given a straight red for a reckless tackle on Messi

Ivan Rakitic scored in the 72nd minute to put Barcelona 2-1 ahead. Five minutes later, Sergio Ramos put in a dangerous tackle on Lionel Messi and was shown a straight red card for the offence. This isn’t the first time the Real Madrid captain has been shown a red card in the Clasico; last April at Nou Camp, he was shown a straight red for a similar kind of offence.

Ramos’s red card left Madrid light at the back, and made them vulnerable to the Barcelona counter-attack which ultimately led to the decisive Messi goal in the 92nd minute.

The Spanish defender has been Madrid’s hero in the past, but on the night of the Clasico, he was the villain who might have just caused Real Madrid the La Liga title.