El Clasico: Barcelona 2–1 Real Madrid

For all the Madrid aggression and attack shown in the second half, it was Barca who broke the deadlock once more, this time through sub Alexi Sanchez. Running at the defense, he picked out a slightly off-the-line Lopez and placed a perfect lob over the Madrid goalie finding the back of the net with an absolute peach of a goal giving Barca a 2-goal cushion and almost sealing the win.

Andres Iniesta (L) vies with Luka Modric

Asier Illaramendi was also brought on to replace the yellow carded Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, and slotted into the centre of midfield. Ancellotti might consider the possible ill-effect of the ‘Ramos experiment’ in midfield seeingg the added dynamic Illara brought. He certainly added more to the Madrid attack as they pinned Barca into their half for the final 10-odd minutes. Madrid finally got a goal through Jese fed by a Ronaldo assist, but it was all left a little too late by the 90th minute.

Barca played smart for the final 3 minutes of injury time, killing time and ensured their deserved victory in the first Clasico of the 13-14 season.

World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi had an unusually subdued game by his extremely high standards, but then, that is one of the reasons why Barcelona FC invested heavily in bringing Neymar into their fold. Neymar showed his ability to the Madridistas today with his skill on the ball, his passing vision and the simple fact that it wasn’t just Messi that you would have to deal with now. There is a new kid in town, and HE is good!

The first Barca goal was set up brilliantly by the ever-brilliant genius of Iniesta, but, Neymar had his role to play as he took on the Madrid defense, cut back on to his preferred right foot and perfectly found the far corner of the Madrid goal through a bevy of Madrid defenders. The second Barca goal was masterclass from the on-off and unpredictable Alexis Sanchez, as he lobbed a perfect, pin-point chip over the Madrid goalie, Diego Lopez to find the back of the net. Wonder what a certain Iker Casillas might have to say to that?

The Madrid record-breaking transfer, Bale, on the other hand, had another quite, not so impactful game. He did have a few moments where he leaked bits of his class to the world watching but it all remained as just anticipation, as he could only manage a few wayward shots at Victor Valdes’ largely untested goal.

Many would say that it was probably a bit too early to give Bale a start, let alone for an El Clasico, considering how he is still getting back to full fitness and playing time is never easy to come by in Real Madrid, to waste on sub-dued and below par performances, especially against your greatest foe. It may also be questioned as to why Ancelloti started with Ramos in the centre of midfield, and why Isco was not given a look-in at any point. However, it must also be noted that, apart from the Alexi goal, it was pretty much all Real Madrid in the second half. It was a much better showing, a much better performance and lot of positives that Los Blancos can take from their showing in the second half.

They might have lost the first El Clasico of the season 2-1 to their eternal rivals Barcelona, but if the second half was any sign of the things to come, Real Madrid would only get better from here. Ancelloti, given some time to work his skills in making the team work and shaping them to play as he visualizes them playing, might make for a much more formidable and tougher opposition the next time El Clasico comes around. Bale should also probably be given a lenient let-off being his first Clasico.

Anyone remember what happened in Mourinho’s first few Clasicos? Considering all that, Madrid definitely put up a good showing. Given the penaly decision, they almost got a point off the game and all-in-all put up a decent fight. No roll-over this one. Barca, too, would obviously improve under Tata’s guidance making it a very exciting season building up to the next Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Plus, lets not discount Atletico, shall we? They are right up there, and not really showing any real signs of vulnerability in terms of lasting out a season.

Being a thorough Madrid fan myself, I hope my bias wasn’t obvious. As for the remaining La Liga season, Hala Madrid!