El Clasico. El Hammering. Real Madrid went into the game one point clear at the top of La Liga under the management of Jose Mourinho and ended the game two points behind Barcelona after a sensational defeat. This must have been the worst result of Mourinho’s career. A local derby, probably the biggest in the world and Pep Guardiola’s men played them off the park from start to finish.
It was a night to remember for Messi and Co and certainly a night to forget and brush under the carpet immediately for Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates. Some people would have placed their free bets on Madrid before the game, but it wasn’t to be for a number of reasons.
Barcelona are the best team in the world and love to show their skills to the rest of the world. That was evident on Monday night and Madrid had no answers to their skill, delicacy and provision. Splendid football that sent a shockwave out to the other teams that could potentially face them in the Champions League knockout stages. Frightening.
Their one touch passing and movement is a pleasure to watch and the DVD would be a present to savour for many years because there won’t be many footballing displays like that over the the next decade, especially in a game that was so big. We learnt Messi doesn’t need glue on the end of his boot to keep hold of the ball and he shone above his opposite number Ronaldo. This was the game that would put an end to all the speculation about who is the best player in the world and Messi didn’t disappoint.
Barcelona now have a striker who can finish a chance so easily in David Villa. A real poacher in the box and a great signing. Their defence looks solid and the partnership between Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique is flourishing.You can really tell they have a good understanding and the fact they can play together for Spain really helps the national side. Xavi and Andreas Iniesta pass the ball with ease, elegance at its best. They define the word football.
As for Madrid, Mourinho had a hold over their rivals last season after knocking them out of the Champions League with Inter but this time Guardiola got revenge and in some style. Ronaldo didn’t have it his own way and once again frustration went to his head when he pushed the Barca manager near the end. Stupid. And then because Madrid couldn’t tackle Messi they had to spoil the game and kick him to the ground. Shame on you Sergio Ramos. The tackle was a disgrace and could have broken the master’s leg. The reckless kick certainly deserved a red card.
All the talk amongst paypal betting pundits before the game was about Madrid’s defensive record and how strong they were at the back but they were cut apart and looked vulnerable down the middle.
Xavi Alonso failed to control the midfield and Karim Benzema hardly had a sniff up front as the helpless special one looked on. This result really brought Mourinho back down to earth after a great start at the Bernebeu but don’t write him off just yet because he has the tactics and management style to plot revenge when the two sides meet again and that could well be the title decider.
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