La Liga Title Race

 The three giants of La Liga; Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico de Madrid are neck at neck at the top of the table.  The “Clasico of Clasicos” was without a doubt a title deciding game. 

Barcelona were one point behind league leaders Atletico de Madrid with a game in hand against “los colchoneros”. If Barcelona managed to take all three points against Real Madrid they would have overtaken Atletico at the top. 

Real Madrid were three points behind Atletico, which meant that a win against Barcelona would put them tied for first place with Atletico Madrid. With only 6 games of the La Liga season left to play, there is no room for error

Injuries for Both Sides

There were lots of questions on Barcelona whether or not they were capable of continuing the good run of form. As for Real Madrid, they’re main concern was the players that would miss the clasico due to injury. 

Real Madrid came into this game without some of their biggest players like Rafael Varane, Danny Carvajal, and most notably their captain Sergio Ramos. With 3 of their 4 starting defenders out due to injury, many did not expect for Real Madrid’s defense to stop a front line of Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, and Antoine Griezman. However, Real Madrid’s defense played a perfect game.

Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, and Lucas Vasquez were the three defenders to replace Sergio Ramos, Rafa Varane, and Danny Carvajal respectfully. Real Madrid were able to counter everything Barcelona threw at them, as los Merengues played a near perfect game.

Goalscorers

Barcelona controlled most of the possession, however it was expected from before the game even started. Madrid’s players pressed in numbers forcing Barcelona to play a bad ball, or just winning the tackle themselves. 

The first goal came from Real Madrid’s French Striker Karim Benzema. A counter attack from Madrid which caught Barcelona’s defence out of position and a back heel finish from Benzema. 

 A freekick right outside the 18 yard box taken by Kroos took two huge deflections which managed to find itself inside the net. There was nothing for Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen to do.

Barcelona managed to get a goal back from a “La Masia” graduate in youngster Oscar Mingueza. The youngster got on the end of a cross by Lionel Messi to put the game at 2-1 for Real Madrid. Barcelona had more chances at goal but they were not able to score the 2nd goal. 

Real Madrid’s defensive midfielder Casemiro got sent off in the 90th minute, however it was too late for Barcelona to bring the game back. 

A victory for Real Madrid which now puts them just one point behind Atletico Madrid.