The much anticipated el clasico game between Barcelona and Real Madrid has come and gone, as Barcelona thrashed three-time European champions Real Madrid by 5-1, to add more salts to their injury.
The game as expected started with much more higher tempo, as the two teams got into the game with the sole purpose to win and not just win for the three points, but also for bragging rights.
It was also a must win game for coach Julen Lopetegui who has been on a hot seat since for as long as we can remember, and knowing that losing the game could mean an immediate sack for him, he set up his players the best way he felt he could win, but the score board at the end of the day, clearly showed he was wrong.
From the outset of the game, it was Barcelona that threatened first, as their quick passing and brilliant play from left back Jordi Alba, saw Coutinho netting the opener, with Real Madrid players lacking that hunger to continue fighting and compete.
A few minutes again, it was Luis Suarez whose wife just welcomed their third child and second son, that dealt the visitors another blow, netting the second from the spot, after VAR confirmed that the Uruguayan was brought down by Real Madrid defender, Varane.
Real Madrid were still looking like the team we have watched so far this season with disappointment, as they never had control of the game, and no sign of leadership, unlike previous El clasico, not until the second half when they showed some signs of determination, which did not last long before Barcelona ran riot on them.
They managed to pull one back, which was a brilliant effort from veteran wing back, Marcello, as the Real Madrid team were torn apart, with Suarez ending the day with a hat-trick and goals from Coutinho, Vidal completed the humiliation of Real Madrid at the El clasico game at Camp Nou.
After the game, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos hinted that the team is in urgent need of a new coach, as the points are starting to fall away…
Sergio Ramos when asked about the result, said:
“It’s a very bad situation for the whole team, today it was a key match and it condemns us the result”
On the manager he said: “We are dead to the coach, the decisions are made up.”
“We have to wait, they have not said anything yet, we have to reflect and have a cool head”
He also said that if Lopetegui is sacked today or tomorrow, they will have to respect the boards decision. He said:
“We have to respect the decisions that have been made from above, it’s time to be united, they’re going away as far as points are concerned and we have to turn the page.”
“This is not the time to point anyone out, we give away 45 minutes, there are many things to reflect on”.
On if they are still in the title race, he said:
“I have won Leagues in which I got more than ten points, a high head and the key to success is work”.
His relationship with the coach:
“I’ve always had a good relationship with all the coaches, it’s better to stay on the sidelines because they’re delicate situations, respect is earned, it’s not imposed, there are the coaches with whom we’ve won titles.” Costume management is more important than the knowledge of a coach. ” He said.
This will be the first el clasico that was played for almost ten years without Messi and Ronaldo, as these two that have been the centre of attraction in all of the previous el clasico were absent.
For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Juventus, while Messi missed the el clasico game due to injury, but in all, it was a good game.