Full-backs’ influence
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Before the game, we stated the importance of the full-back battles between these two clubs and how it could be the game changing factor—and, my word, did Marcelo and Carvajal come up with some beauties.
Real Madrid midfield looked all jammed, so Marcelo took it upon himself to carry the ball forward. And carry he did. After blazing in from deep, a run which startled Barca defenders out of their zones and minds, he passed the ball to Kroos, whose drilled in cross attempt found its way to Karim Benzema—who finished the glorious move.
The next goal came when Dani Carvajal decided to join the attack during a counter as he flashed forward with lightning speed to get the ball in Gareth Bale’s way, who then crossed it for Cristiano to score.
In the end, it were these two moments from Madrid’s two world-class full-backs that determined the outcome of the game.
