Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona: 5 reasons why the Catalans lost the game | LaLiga 2019-20

#3 The Real Madrid players wanted it more

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos

With a shock home loss to Real Sociedad knocking them out of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid have just the league and Champions League to contest for the rest of the season.

Last week's losses to Levante and Manchester City saw questions asked of them and heading into the clash with Barcelona, another loss here could effectively have ended their season, prompting a repeat of the previous term where the final three months consisted of essentially dead-rubber fixtures for Los Blancos.

This is a less than ideal situation for a team of superstars and this coupled with their poor run of form at home to Barcelona gave an added incentive to go all out for victory.

For all of their shortcomings, this Real Madrid side is still blessed with numerous world-beaters who are capable of defeating anyone on their day and they showed as much in the clash with Barcelona.

The extra drive and motivation to win at all costs pushed the players into overdrive, pressing high up the field to limit the passing options, while also giving their all and winning most of the 50-50 balls.

When it came down to it, the Barcelona players were not as hungry as their hosts and this difference in desire and intensity ultimately saw Real Madrid get the better of them.

---