Barcelona silenced their arch-rivals Real Madrid emphatically at their religious home, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The Blaugrana side employed a fascinating offside trap against Los Blancos in the first 45 and it worked to perfection.
Kylian Mbappe’s Disallowed Goal
Kylian Mbappe momentarily put Real Madrid ahead in the 30th minute but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Los Merengues were on the front foot for most parts of the first half dictating play and moving the ball from side to side.
They also had many chances to punish Barcelona, but they contrived to miss their opportunities.
Interestingly, Hansi Flick’s side employed a different strategy in the second period, although they still kept their customary high line in defense, to put Real Madrid attackers in offside positions.
Robert Lewandowski Ageing Like Fine Wine
Los Merengues defense switched off in the 56th minute, and Barcelona took full advantage, with Robert Lewandowski receiving a perfectly timed through ball from Casado before dashing to the edge of the 18-yard box and unleashing a low, right-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, Lewandowski secured his brace, with a glancing header on the penalty spot following a dangerous cross from Alex Balde.
Robert Lewandowski’s brace meant he has now netted 14 goals and provided 2 assists in 11 La Liga matches this term.
Cumulatively, the veteran striker has scored 16 goals and provided 2 assists in 14 matches across all competitions in the 2024/25 season.
The encounter became more open with Barcelona and Real Madrid getting more opportunities to score.
Lamine Yamal Makes History With Goal Against Real Madrid For Barcelona
Only the visitors from Catalonia took more chances, with Lamine Yamal smashing the ball into the top corner after controlling a well-delivered pass from Raphinha.
Yamal also became the youngest player to score in El Clasico, registering a goal aged 17 years and 106 days.
Raphinha’s Icing On The Cake
Raphinha went on to grab a goal in the 84th minute with a delightful chip over Real Madrid goalie Andriy Lunin, as the Brazilian capitalized on a loss of concentration in defense from their opposition.
Hansi Flick has turned Raphinha into a beast, with the former Leeds United man now having 10 goals and 9 assists in 14 games this season.
Ultimately, Barcelona secured a smashing 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
The victory meant that Barcelona have ended Real Madrid’s 42 game unbeaten run in La Liga. Los Blancos were looking to equal the longest run without a defeat in the Spanish top-flight division set by the Catalan giants in 2017.
Moreover, Kylian Mbappé had a career-high 8 offsides against Barcelona in El Clásico due to high line strategy that has regularly been deployed by Barcelona this season.
The Frenchman also had a goal disallowed in the second period for offside, much to the dismay of Los Blancos fans.
Real Madrid And Barcelona’s League Position
The win moved Barcelona 6 points clear at the summit of La Liga table, having amassed 30 points from 11 matches this season.
Defending champions Real Madrid have secured 24 points from 11 matches this term and with much catch-up to do.
Real Madrid And Barcelona’s Next Match
Real Madrid return to action on Saturday, November 2, 2024, facing Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.
Barcelona on the other hand, welcome city rivals Espanyol to Camp Nou, as they look to continue their remarkable display this season.
