Barca Blaugranes - El Clasico: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2014-03-25T04:41:07+01:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/47947612014-03-25T04:41:07+01:002014-03-25T04:41:07+01:00Barca-Real Madrid: El Clasico Refereeing Decisions
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<p>It was a wild, wild night filled with goals and drama. But, a lot of the focus has been shifted to the refereeing controversies. So, how did the key decisions shake up?</p> <p><em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>"Since I've been here, Madrid have never benefited from the referee." -<span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span>.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This was a game packed with big decisions. While Undiano Mallenco, the referee, was hardly faultless, few could say he was afraid of making the big calls.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> - especially <span>Sergio Ramos</span> and Ronaldo - were livid due to the refereeing decisions, going so far as to make farcical statements like the one above, were they right to be that upset? (In fairness, their coach, <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> said they did not lose because of the referee)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let's find out, shall we?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ronaldo Claims Two Fouls</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It didn't take long for Real Madrid to start complaining. Cristiano Ronaldo went down on the edge of the box just three minutes into the match. While some wanted a penalty, it's clear referee Undiano Mallenco got this one right. Javier Mascherano's timing was perfect as he poked the ball away.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/q2wWsO.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ronaldo went down on the left side of the box not five minutes later. However, he seemed to have an even weaker case. Simply, Ronaldo backed into Daniel Alves while waiting for a long ball, then threw himself to the ground. It's one of those situations where you could say "there was contact", but if a player who fell over after being touched in the box won a penalty, there's no reason why every player should not throw himself down every single time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/drQw1Z.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Neymar's Two Incidents</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It was Neymar's turn to create two moments of controversy. First, a Pepe tackle on Neymar in the box could have been a penalty. It's a bit hard to tell, but it seems that Pepe did actually get the ball - barely. To his credit, Neymar did not seem rushed to appeal for the penalty.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/Kp9JV6.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision (though a close call)</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Neymar missed his best chance at goal, but was it due to a handball? There weren't too many good angles, but it's possible that Marcelo stopped Neymar's shot with his resting hand as he slid. Neymar again did not seem to interested in appealing. In reality, even if the ball hit Marcelo's hand it would be a bit crazy to award a penalty. After all, it was ball-to-hand and the hand was not in an unnatural position.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/yA9bEq.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Post-goal Mix-up</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here it gets spicy. After <span>Lionel Messi</span> leveled the scores at 2-2, Cesc Fabregas ran to pick the ball up from the net. He ran into Pepe's side, not violently, and it's hard to tell really who was at fault for the contact. Regardless, Pepe got in Cesc's face and began saying some words which probably were not "lovely night out, innit?" Pepe then proceeded to headbutt Cesc, lightly, I suppose, and immediately go down, clutching his face. Both players then went to ground, somewhat exaggeratedly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mallenco handed out yellow cards to both, which is fair enough.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/4swvxJ.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the mixup, <span>Sergio Busquets's</span> boot seemed to come into contact with Pepe's face. While no one really seemed to notice in live time, after the game, some zoomed in pictures surfaced seeming to show Busquets stamping on Pepe's face. However, video replays show that Busquets only grazes Pepe's face, and possibly unintentionally. It probably wasn't pleasant, but given how theatrically Pepe acted before, it's hard to imagine he would have let something too painful go by without a proper tantrum. Of course, if Busquets really stamped on Pepe's face with the intention to hurt him, then it's a red card and a ban. But, I doubt that really was the case. Busquets received no punishment</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/MMFUebFhUdr/embed/simple" width="600" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<script src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The First Wrong Call</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As strange as it may sound. Mallenco got all the decisions right as far as I'm concerned in the first half. That was about to change. <span>Gareth Bale</span> played in Benzema, who was on a hat trick. Unfortunately for him, Victor Valdes was on hand to make a great 1-on-1 save. But, Benzema should never have had the chance. The replay showed he was quite clearly offside.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here is where I'd like to be a bit philosophical. Why is that refereeing decisions that are undone by good or poor play not as important? In other words - had Benzema scored, would that have shown a greater referee bias towards Madrid? In my opinion, no. The fact that he was given such a great chance to score is just as bad whether Benzema takes it or not.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/b5ilyv.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Wrong Decision - Favoring Madrid</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Second Wrong Call</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled into the box, and Daniel Alves tripped him outside of the box. Mallenco gave a penalty. It's pretty obvious on the replay that while it was a foul, it was definitely not a penalty. Some compared it to Martin Demichelis's penalty foul on Lionel Messi, when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> played Manchester City.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two things: one, this wasn't the same. There was some argument as to whether Demichelis's actual contact was inside or outside the box (as former England international Warren Barton <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2014/2/20/5427972/uefa-champions-league-manchester-city-vs-barcelona-warren-barton">told this site</a>, "Demichelis started the slide outside the box, but when he actually touched him, it was in the box.") Some even mentioned the continuation of the foul into the box as possible justification for a penalty.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Neither was the case here - the foul was all outside. Ronaldo just happened to fall inside.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But more importantly, point two. Who cares? Two wrongs don't make a right. If Barcelona were unfairly given a penalty, that doesn't make it OK for another team in another competition to get an unfair penalty as well. Madrid have gotten unfair penalties this season too, but that doesn't make an unfair penalty against them OK, either.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/hkmyLd.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Wrong Decision - Favoring Madrid</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Red Card?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While it was definitely not a penalty, there was certainly an argument that it could be a red card against Alves for a last man foul. Mallenco decided not to give one, and while it was a 50/50 call, I agree with the decision. Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets were at least level with Ronaldo. Yes, Barcelona were in big trouble with Ronaldo rampaging into the box. But was it a last-man foul? It literally was not.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision (but it was close)</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Encroachment</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Technically speaking, you're not supposed to step into the box until the player has kicked the penalty. Technically. And by that measure, Benzema broke the rules and you should have had a re-kick of the penalty. Benzema broke this rule, not extremely flagrantly, but obviously enough. Still, 95% of the time, referees don't bother with this rule.<img></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2121345/2NUenHe.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2121345/2NUenHe_medium.png" class="photo" alt="2nuenhe_medium"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Wrong Decision - favoring Madrid - but hardly ever called</i></p>
<div><i><br></i></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Offside?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Probably the most difficult call. Was Neymar in an offside position when he received a through ball from Lionel Messi?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bjgmb6BCQAAlJRT.jpg"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Considering arms are not counted when calculating offside, and that if an attacker is level to the defender, it is not offside, and the linesmen is meant to side with the attacker when in doubt, I think no offside call is correct.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, it is very close. Still, in these situations sometimes when you can't tell, you have to go with the ref's judgement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision - though it was 50/50</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>"I Didn't Touch Him"</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That's what Sergio Ramos claimed post-game. Except he totally did. And while it was soft, it was enough to trip Neymar. On the other hand, Tata Martino, the Barcelona coach, said it was the most obvious penalty from his point of view.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjiXE7UIIAI5dDV.jpg"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It was quite soft, but the idea that Ramos did not touch Neymar carries no weight.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision - but again it was pretty darn close</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Off You Go</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A foul from behind with the goal at his mercy. You can argue every call, but it's a fairly textbook denial of a goalscoring opportunity to me. The red card was merited.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Last Penalty</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Of all the penalties, this, to me, was the clearest. Andres Iniesta used his trickery to slip past <span>Daniel Carvajal</span>, and <span>Xabi Alonso</span> came in late, not touching the ball, and instead kicking Iniesta. It was not a hard foul, but it was a foul nonetheless.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-24-2014/hG1LTi.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>So...</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Real Madrid benefited from two very clear wrong calls (and one wrong call that is usually not called). On the other hand, Barcelona benefited from getting most of the 50/50 calls. Perhaps more importantly, those 50/50 calls had a bigger impact.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But going back a bit, when discussing referee bias, why should it matter? That Benzema missed a one-on-one is not because the referee was less biased towards Madrid. And that Messi scored both penalties was not because the referee was more biased towards Barcelona.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The reality is that the losing team will voice their complaints more loudly. The winning team will be too busy celebrating.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">...</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>More Decisions</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here's a few points of contention brought up by the community. First, Gerard Pique's alleged handball.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ronaldo took a free kick which he blasted into the wall. Pique, while jumping, blocked the shot with his arm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately I could not find decent video for this incident. However, it seemed that while the ball did strike Pique's arm, it was in a natural position and it was certainly ball-to-hand, as the ball was struck with power from very close range.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision - and thanks to slipstreamous</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then, Ronaldo's elbow to Javier Mascherano's face.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/3-25-2014/3KI1Nb.gif"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ronaldo delivered a tough elbow to Mascherano while contesting an aerial ball late in the game. Ronaldo was given a yellow card for the foul. If you watch closely at the beginning of the gif, Ronaldo glances at Mascherano. One could interpret that as proof that Ronaldo was intentional in his actions. If that's the case, he should have been sent off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, the glance is so quick it's hard to tell conclusively. I'm sure he would say he say he did not mean for that elbow to catch Mascherano's face. The question is, was the yellow enough? Hard to say, but again, I'll go with the ref's judgement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Right Decision - though 50/50 - and thanks to Richzorz</i></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2014/3/25/5543936/real-madrid-vs-barcelona-controversy-referee-el-clasico-la-ligaLuis Mazariegos2014-03-23T23:01:29+01:002014-03-23T23:01:29+01:00Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona Match Review
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<p>FC Barcelona won a seven-goal thriller at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, cutting Real Madrid's lead in La Liga to just a single point. Lionel Messi was undoubtedly the man of the match as he scored a hat trick and assisted the other goal.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona came into this match four points behind <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>, but thanks to <span>Lionel Messi's</span> heroics, that lead has been slimmed down to just one point. Barcelona had to suffer, trailing at two points in the match, but in the end, they pulled the big win out of their seemingly endless bag of tricks over 10-man Real Madrid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Anything but three points for FC Barcelona would have dealt a serious blow to their title chances. A loss all but would have eliminated them, opening up a 7 point gap. A draw, while better, was not what the Blaugrana were aiming for. Thanks to key men such as Messi and Andres Iniesta, Barcelona have taken a big step towards retaining the Liga title.</p>
<table width="250" border="1" align="center" class="sbn-data-table" style="text-align: justify; height: 224px;"><tbody>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td align="left"><br></td>
<td>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Barcelona</a></b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Real Madrid CF</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td align="left"><b>Possession</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>68%<br></b></td>
<td align="left"><b>32%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td align="left">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
</td>
<td align="left"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>13</b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td align="left">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
</td>
<td align="left"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td align="left">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
</td>
<td align="left"><b>91%<br></b></td>
<td align="left"><b>79%<br></b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td align="left"><b>Corners</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>5<br></b></td>
<td align="left"><b>1<br></b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td align="left"><b>Fouls</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>24</b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td align="left"><b>Offsides</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td align="left">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
</td>
<td align="left"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td align="left">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
</td>
<td align="left"><b>0<br></b></td>
<td align="left"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tata Martino played five natural midfielders, including <span>Javier Mascherano</span> and Cesc Fabregas, with Neymar as the only "true" winger. <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> went 4-3-3 as expected, this time forgoing any "clever" experiments involving dropping Karim Benzema or moving Sergio Ramos to midfield.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Both teams got into quick attacks, with Neymar taking a relative tame effort on goal which was saved by Diego Lopez. Gerard Pique gave away possession dangerously close to his own goal, which he then recovered, but Madrid's press got into position to steal the ball from Andres Iniesta. Benzema was presented with a great chance but his shot was not only weak, but off target.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On two occasions, <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> went down in the box over slight contact, but the referee. Undiano Mallenco, was not interested.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After a flying start, it was no surprise that it took only 7 minutes to open the scoring.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Iniesta rewarded Gerardo Martino's confidence in putting him in the forward line with a brilliantly taken goal. In a role reversal, it was Lionel Messi who set him up with a great through ball. Iniesta was presented with a good shooting chance and his bullet was all but unsaveable.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After the euphoria, Barcelona looked a bit more sloppy than usual against such a quality opponent, and they allowed Real Madrid on top in the flow of the game. Angel Di Maria gave his first warning, crafting a great opportunity by dribbling past three or four players before teeing up Benzema. But the Frenchman was unable to replicate Iniesta's great finish, slamming the ball far over the bar.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Having had a moment to breathe, Barcelona remained calm and almost scored a second. This time the provider was Fabregas, who found a great run from Messi but this time - amazingly - the Argentine skewed his shot far to the left post.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona had a penalty appeal turned down as Pepe's challenge tumbled Neymar over in the box. It was a 50-50 call, but Mallenco did not see it Barcelona's way.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barca had yet another chance as Messi yet again was the orchestrator. He slipped in Neymar, who took a shot that was stopped somewhat fortutiously by a Marcelo sliding tackle.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It all went slightly to pieces there for Barcelona, as Di Maria put in a cross from the left flank which was headed in by Benzema to tie it up. Almost instantaneously, it was Di Maria again who put in yet another cross from the left which Benzema again smashed in, this time on the half volley. In just a mere five minutes, Barca's good work had been undone completely. It was the 24th minute and Real Madrid were winning. Could they hold on?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A few minutes later, AGAIN Di Maria snapped a cross from the left which AGAIN found Benzema which AGAIN flew by Victor Valdes. only this time Gerard Pique was on hand to make a crucial goal-line block.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona were shellshocked, and, though they did at least slow the flow of Di Maria's chances, weren't creating clear-cut chances themselves anymore.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With Barcelona not having much clarity, it was their best player who forced the issue. First, he tried to play in Neymar, but when the ball was poked away from the Brazilian, it was Messi who pounced on the rebound, just beating <span>Sergio Ramos</span> to the ball, before angling a dart into the net. Messi's amazing night continued as he could count one assist and one goal to his name, with the scores level 2-2 in the 42nd minute.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Real Madrid would have one last chance before the half. This time it was Dani Carvajal who was able to find space for a cross. The ball found who else but Benzema, who took his chance at sneaking the ball into the far post with a clever header... but the ball drifted inches wide instead of finding the net once again.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Despite an uneven game to say the least, Barcelona headed into the dressing room with the score level at 2-2.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The second half started comparatively quietly. Would it set the tone for the rest of the match?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Real Madrid were the first to create after the restart. <span>Gareth Bale</span>, who up to this point had been pretty quiet, burst in on a counter attack and found Benzema (who may have been offside). Benzema was eager to get his hat trick, but this time Valdes was quick to deny him.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then came the most controversial moment of the match so far. Daniel Alves was called for a foul on Cristiano Ronaldo, though the replay showed the foul was outside the box. Ronaldo took the penalty and he put Madrid back on top again,</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Regardless of the referee's error, Barcelona were now faced with having to score two goals in just over half an hour. Here was their Liga season flashing before their eyes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Benzema almost assisted what would have been something of a killer blow, only for Valdes to deny Gareth Bale's one-on-one chance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barca needed to react. Their next close chance was Iniesta again, who took a cleared corner on the volley from outside the box. Unfortunately for El Ilusionista, the ball flew just over Lopez's bar. Barcelona needed a spark.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Again, Messi was the man called into action. Neymar latched on to a pass on the ground from Messi, and as the #11 turned to face Lopez, Ramos clipped him from behind. Mallenco pointed to the spot again and sent off Ramos for denying a goalscoring opportunity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This penalty, too, would be controversial. And the sending off is a point of argument, too. But just as before Barca had to carry on despite their protests, Real Madrid too, had to carry on.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Messi slammed the ball into the back of the net from the spot. It was 3-3 and with a man advantage, would Barcelona snatch the match, and their league season, from the jaws of defeat? How would Martino use the additional man?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tata took out Neymar, who had a patchy game, and put in the energetic Pedro. Would this be the key?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After all the careful considerate passes, Daniel Alves took matters into his own hands. Or should I say, his own boot. From outside the box, he thunderbolted a shot aimed at Lopez's far post. Unfortunately for Alves, he aimed too well - the ball bounced off that post and Real Madrid were saved.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Martino kept moving his pieces, this time taking off Fabregas and putting on another forward in Alexis Sanchez.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Say what you want about Mallenco, but he was certainly not afraid of making the big calls. The referee called the third penalty of the match after <span>Xabi Alonso</span> committed an unnecessary and rash foul on Iniesta in the box. This call was less controversial than the past two, though I'm sure it will be sports talk show fodder for weeks to come as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Would Messi do it yet again?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, of course, why would you doubt him!? Messi put the ball past Diego Lopez again, getting his hat trick, his 20th goal in Clasicos (an all-time record), and his 236th goal in La Liga (surpassing Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez as the player with the second-most goals in La Liga all-time.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With just six minutes plus added time to play, would Barcelona hold onto the lead in this seven-goal thriller?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The answer was yes, and in truth Real Madrid never had a clear chance again. Arguably Barcelona were closer to extending their lead than Real were to drawing the scores level, as a <span>Dani Alves</span> cross was just out of Messi's reach.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Once the dust settled, a wonderful match went Barcelona's way. It was an exhilarating match-up between two great teams, although some will undoubtedly focus on the referee, because it's a Clasico and that seems to always happen. Now, to see where this crazy season takes us.</p>
<p><iframe width="760" height="580" frameborder="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dFp1MnZnaVpqUGx0WjFGRGkyb3lEYUE6MA" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></p>
<p>Roll Call:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>873</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>49</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AL_LM10">AL_LM10</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anders%20Thomassen">Anders Thomassen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BARCA_1899">BARCA_1899</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcaLifer">BarcaLifer</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Barcacatalunya">Barcacatalunya</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Blancoparasiempre">Blancoparasiempre</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bobby213">Bobby213</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bostjan%20Cernensek">Bostjan Cernensek</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Damian%20Palacios">Damian Palacios</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Eddie%20Pundell">Eddie Pundell</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FCB4Ever">FCB4Ever</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FCBblaug">FCBblaug</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fadel%20Assaf">Fadel Assaf</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Harshiv%20Karia">Harshiv Karia</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ian%20Reynolds">Ian Reynolds</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Inder%20Methil">Inder Methil</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Iniesta_obsession">Iniesta_obsession</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ivan%20Muller">Ivan Muller</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jairo%20Guardado">Jairo Guardado</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lapulga">Lapulga</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Luis%20Mazariegos">Luis Mazariegos</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Maaz%20Rehman">Maaz Rehman</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mauste">Mauste</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Minatar12">Minatar12</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NoImagination90">NoImagination90</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PatrickJM6">PatrickJM6</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Richzorz">Richzorz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ruy%20Diaz">Ruy Diaz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shieldsteiger">Shieldsteiger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Som-i-Serem">Som-i-Serem</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ThreePar">ThreePar</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tokjee">Tokjee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Uncharted_Almo">Uncharted_Almo</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ViscaViscaBarca">ViscaViscaBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ade%20fox">ade fox</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/craig00000">craig00000</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/damaso">damaso</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/david.james">david.james</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/estebillan">estebillan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/fcb123">fcb123</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/feeya7">feeya7</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/footballfordoze">footballfordoze</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/messism">messism</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/papant7">papant7</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rnmrqz">rnmrqz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/shubham2806">shubham2806</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/syredeathtrooper">syredeathtrooper</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/teamshao">teamshao</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tgmgg">tgmgg</a>
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NoImagination90">NoImagination90</a></td>
<td>89</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anders%20Thomassen">Anders Thomassen</a></td>
<td>89</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bostjan%20Cernensek">Bostjan Cernensek</a></td>
<td>82</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/footballfordoze">footballfordoze</a></td>
<td>60</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Harshiv%20Karia">Harshiv Karia</a></td>
<td>48</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bobby213">Bobby213</a></td>
<td>47</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ian%20Reynolds">Ian Reynolds</a></td>
<td>46</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ruy%20Diaz">Ruy Diaz</a></td>
<td>44</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Uncharted_Almo">Uncharted_Almo</a></td>
<td>38</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/feeya7">feeya7</a></td>
<td>35</td>
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<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2014/3/23/5540006/el-clasico-la-liga-real-madrid-3-4-fc-barcelona-match-reviewLuis Mazariegos2013-10-29T00:52:12+01:002013-10-29T00:52:12+01:00Post-Clasico Monday Reflections
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kxj-BDmgaIO92bwZlsF4N2ShZZA=/0x529:2942x2490/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21948647/185942452.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Before the Clasico, I took a look at a few topics with Managing Madrid's Lucas Navarrete. Now that the dust has settled, with Barca emerging victorious, I take a look at how our expectations turned out.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">El Clasico always is an exciting time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Before the game, Lucas Navarrete of <a href="http://www.managingmadrid.com" target="_blank">Managing Madrid</a> and I talked a little about what we expected from the match. You can read <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/24/5024150/la-liga-clasico-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-preview-with-managing-madrid">his thoughts here</a> and <a href="http://www.managingmadrid.com/2013/10/24/5024416/fc-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-interview" target="_blank">mine here</a>. Now that the result is in, we can take a look at how some things shaped up.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Both Lucas and I predicted a conservative game, and in that we were right. <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> named three nominal centerbacks, and his midfield may have lacked playmakers. He was obviously trying to protect <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> central defensive zone. On the other hand, Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino's introduction of <span>Alex Song</span> for Andres Iniesta in the second half was a classic defensive substitution: a bruiser for an artist.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We also both predicted a draw, and in that, we got it wrong. It could have been a draw, but it wasn't.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then, we picked a key man for each team aside from the main stars - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>. I picked a player who did not start but had a lot of influence when he came on. Meanwhile, Lucas picked a player who did a good job despite the loss.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For Barcelona, I picked Alexis Sanchez. In a team stacked with Messi, Neymar, Iniesta, and Xavi, picking the oft-criticized Sanchez as a key man may have raised eyebrows. But just as I believed, Sanchez responded with possibly his best performance and certainly his best goal in Barca's 2-1 win.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Lucas picked <span>Luka Modric</span> as his key player. Again, a bit of a dark horse pick, but it's hard to fault his belief. Modric was Madrid's best player that night according to <a href="http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/738558/Live" target="_blank">WhoScored.com's ratings</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A key feature of interest for this fixture was the first matchup between both teams' most hyped signings: Neymar and Gareth Bale. We took a chance predicting who would do better in this game, and we both picked Neymar. The votes are pretty unanimous that Neymar did much, much better.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As for key matchups, I picked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> right-wing vs. Madrid's left-back as a zone to focus on. Interestingly, Martino picked his best player - Messi - to start in that zone, uncharacteristically. This was his biggest gamble and it paid off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lucas picked Asier Illaramendi vs. Messi as a matchup to look out for. Illarra did not start, but obviously Ancelotti was nervous about that zone, fielding three central midfielders, looking to clog the middle. Again Martino's deployment of his countryman on the flank as opposed to the center surprised nearly everyone. For what it's worth, Illarra did well when he did come on.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We both talked about Alvaro Arbeloa vs. Neymar, and how it would be a rematch of the Confederations Cup, in which Neymar clearly won that battle. Ancelotti was perhaps wary of a repeat and opted for <span>Daniel Carvajal</span> in Arbeloa's place. Regardless, Neymar was an influential man cutting in from the left, and he <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/27/5035780/el-clasico-fc-barcelona-2-1-real-madrid-player-ratings">won our community Man of the Match award</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Considering the way Illaramendi and Sanchez played, maybe they should have both been in the starting XI as we would have wanted them to be. Look out Martino and Ancelotti!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just kidding. In retrospect, we got a few things right and a few things wrong. Happy post-Clasico monday everyone!</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/29/5040296/real-madrid-barcelona-el-clasico-la-ligaLuis Mazariegos2013-10-28T18:47:23+01:002013-10-28T18:47:23+01:00Tata's Tactics
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8u2OqV_XXBOu5qnSN1VQsBXy7As=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21927383/174458964.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Miquel Benitez</figcaption>
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<p>Yes, I'm still high on the Clasico win. So after a comment that I posted right after the match, I was asked to put it up on the front page (removed most of the profanity and made some edits while adding to certain points after having time to think about them)</p> <p style="text-align: justify; " class="MsoNormal">Disclaimer: I concede to the few who said that Barcelona were good but not at their very best...yet! That said, every Cule must enjoy the victory to the fullest. We deserved it and it definitely was NOT easy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Here are my thoughts on our game:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">1. Tata Martino read the game - and it's significance - almost perfectly before the match even started. For those of you who haven't had a chance to read/view his pressers, I strongly suggest that you start. The man has an unbelievable ability to give insights into the game and he explains it in such an articulate manner, to us normal folk. The Argentine clearly stated before the match that we had to take measures to control Real Madrid's counter attacks. This is impressive, simply because Pep and Tito seemed to take a more "but we are Barca, we play and other's react" approach to the game. They weren't wrong but Barca were in desperate need for a change, that is, after all, why we got a coach from outside the system right?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">2. Tata said that we would concede chances if we lost the ball in the middle. Basically, suggesting that he wanted the team to be set up so that when a move started, they did everything to finish it. This could mean a shot (on or off target) or even an attacker losing the ball; but we definitely could NOT afford to lose the ball in midfield or by one of our full backs/defenders. A couple of Madrid's chances were when Barca looked fatigued in the beginning of the second half. Iniesta losing the ball in the middle, under pressure, and Luka Modric releasing Cristiano Ronaldo down the left, only for Victor Valdes to pull out a stunning save. The goal that we conceded was another. Although to be fair, that was too little too late from Madrid. Even then, we're talking individual errors and not a breakdown of tactics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">3. Our defense: When I say our defense, in this case, I do not mean only the back line but like everything Barca does, the team effort. It has been a while since we were put under quite a bit of pressure and came out the winner (admittedly, this season we have been great defensively and that too, is down to Tata's efforts). The cynic would question the reason behind that pressure and he/she would be right to do that. However, you simply cannot escape the fact that our team, for large parts, looked like one single organism. Especially in defense, everybody seemed to understand each other and moved in relation to everybody else. The forwards (Messi/Cesc and Neymar) worked extremely hard and had a great understanding with the full backs and midfield which was a sight to behold!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Our midfield, including Xavi, pressed and harassed Madrid making sure not to give Modric, Ronaldo and co. any peace of mind, especially in the first half. Tactically, as I have recently learnt, Tata's move to exchange Mascherano and Pique (who now had to cover for Adriano and did very well) was a masterstroke. Mascherano was made to cover Ronaldo and cover for Dani Alves. This is not an easy task at all, so kudos to Masch for pulling it off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">4. Pique looked reborn and had, without a doubt, his best match this season. I still believe he takes way too much flak from Cules (and I am generally considered a Pique apologist) but everybody has to admit he was totally dominant against Madrid. Aerially, he covered for virtually everything which is awesome because his height just gives the rest of the back line that much more confidence when he is in form. Let's all hope he keeps that up after a well deserved rest (he is not included in the squad to play Celta).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">5. Substitutions: They were perfect! At best we could make an argument for the subs to have been made earlier since Barca were under serious pressure in the first 20 minutes of the second half but I choose to look at it in the positive light: i.e. for a change, we were capable of taking that pressure and didn't concede an early equalizer. Tata brought Alex Song for Andres Iniesta, who was our most attacking midfielder and one of the best players on the pitch. In essence, this allowed for two defensive midfielders (Song and Busquets) which helped cover for our full backs. Song came on and used his physicality, thus helping Barca regain control of the match. Alexis was brought on for Cesc and well, you know how that ended right?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">6. Alexis Sanchez aka Electric Sanchez (I believe all credit for that must go to Ray Hudson): "Cachai" is a totally different player this season. I truly believe that he is now on the verge of showing us Cules exactly what he's made of. The Chilean (as Tata pointed out post game) has been great since the end of last season but Cules can be lazy in their attitude towards players. We sometimes choose to continue with criticism until we reach a point, when the player simply cannot fight anymore. Well, how about a golazo against our biggest rivals, which turned out to be the winner, to show us exactly what Alexis thought of our complaints?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">The goal was a thing of beauty. Neymar received the ball centrally, saw the pass really well and released Alexis who has always been extremely fast. The Chilean ran at Raphael Varane, hits the brakes, looks to lay it off (nobody was there to receive it even if he had made a pass), notices Diego Lopez (who only stepped way out of his line cause (a) he panicked when he realised this could turn into a 1 v 1 so he did well to step up and close the angles (b) by that point Varane had already been burned a couple of times before, so Lopez didn't want to take any more risk) off his line and chips him from 20 yards out!!! Seriously, it takes confidence to even attempt a shot like that. Anyone who has played football knows how difficult it is to chip a ball perfectly and it only gets more difficult at that range!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">7. Our MOTM, Neymar Jr.: Take a bow, son, you couldn't have had a better debut Clasico! The Brazilian was a constant danger on the left, running Dani Carvajal and Varane ragged. At this point, we really must appreciate Neymar taking some of the pressure off Messi. Pepe, who had a very good game (minus his Pepe moment with regards to Fabregas) could have easily been given the task of handling Neymar but unfortunately for him and Carlo, they also had to worry about a certain Lionel Messi, who although quiet compared to his own very high standards, had given Marcelo a moment to think about when he was put through on goal by Iniesta in the first half. But I'm digressing; Neymar totally owned Carvajal and Varane for large parts of that game and was our biggest threat on goal. The kid managed to score one, assist Alexis all while sticking to his tactical instructions and running his heart out to aid in defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">8. Victor Valdes: Nobody could have asked for a better start to his final season with the club. Personally, I think he is the best keeper in Europe right now, which should leave us with bittersweet memories once he's gone. Valdes made 5 saves, one of them being a game changer. The kind of save that tells the opponent - "today! YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" - when he stopped a bullet from Ronaldo, who at the time, seemed on the verge of dragging Madrid - kicking and screaming - to an equalizer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">So Victor, you deserve all the praise and so much more. On behalf of BarcaBlaugranes, consider this an apology for the times we were too harsh. Then again, to some of us, Valdes has always been great and has also, unfortunately, always been on the receiving end of way too much criticism. Keep this form up and success in Europe might just be possible even taking the other great teams out there into consideration. That would make for one hell of a final season wouldn't you say? The first half, saw Victor making some courageous (normal for him) passes to play the ball out of the back. The second half, saw Victor reading the team's fatigue levels well and sending the ball long to relieve the pressure. Like I've said before, the perfect keeper for Barca.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">9. Iniesta is back: What a show. Smooth as ever on the ball, hard working off it and just so great at penetrating a defense with a combination of short bursts of pace and magical dribbling. The assist to Neymar was about quick feet but that long diagonal ball from the back? Brilliant!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">10. Shout out to all the other players that I haven't mentioned in this article. Each and every one made us proud! This was about a team effort more than any individual.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">11. Conclusion: Madrid are a team in transition that didn't do too bad. Barca, were simply better though. Strong in the tackle, organised under pressure, efficient in attack and the perfect game plan (and substitutions) by an extremely impressive coach. Tata Martino, stay humble and keep doing what you're doing. Today, you have every Cule in awe of your reading of the game. Kudos to you and here's looking to the future!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/28/5038262/el-clasico-gerardo-martino-tactics-carlo-ancelottiInder Methil2013-10-27T23:03:51+01:002013-10-27T23:03:51+01:00Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uayYKCNGHga2jr4i-T9i9BGeI0c=/0x665:2892x2593/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21879769/185955004.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A detailed, player-by-player breakdown of Barcelona's superb 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid at the Camp Nou</p> <p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Victor Valdés</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.0</i></td>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>41</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>22</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>50%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots Faced: </span><span class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Saves Made: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.5</i></b></span>
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<span> </span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">After weeks of basically boredom in between the uprights, this time Valdes had plenty of work. Looking confident throughout the 94 minute long affair, he made 5 very good saves, including a beauty on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a> near halftime. Surprisingly, Victor wasn't forced by Real Madrid to make many plays on high crosses, an area he has notoriously struggled with throughout his career. For the second consecutive game Valdes wasn't able to hold on to the clean sheet, but unlike against AC Milan, where he couldn't do much to save the shot, that was not the case in this game. Jese did fire a powerful shot on goal, but it went just to the side of Valdes, and in the end squeaked under the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> goalkeeper and into the back of the net.</p>
<p></p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.4</i></td>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>72</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>47</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>83%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2/1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Dani Alves delivered one of his most complete games of the season. He combined excellently with Messi in attack and he was very solid in defense. He frustrated Ronaldo throughout the match, however, the Portuguese forward managed to get the best of him near halftime when Khedira could've converted Ronaldo's cross and tied the game at one. But the highlight of the match for Alves was without a shadow of a doubt the nutmeg on Ronaldo, however, the icing on the cake was missing as Lopez was able to save Alves' shot.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.3</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>60</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>41</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>83%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>13</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Many, for some unknown reason, doubted Pique would have a positive effect on Barcelona if he recovered in time to start the El Clasico. But not only did he start, he played one of his best games of the season. Pique was a beast in the air game, winning six of seven duels he was involved in. He recovered more balls than any Barcelona player, twelve, and also made the most clearances, thirteen. This time playing as the left center-back, Pique offered a lot of assistance to Adriano, who allowed plenty of traffic get past him, only to see it stopped at the hands of Pique.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano" class="sbn-auto-link">Javier Mascherano</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.6</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>37</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>31</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>74%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says:</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i> 7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Although, in what is a rare occurrence, Mascherano was outplayed by Pique, that does not mean the Argentine had a poor game. He made a couple excellent defensive plays, especially in the first half. His performance dropped a bit in the second part as he was a few times found out of position, but despite all that Mascherano still finished the game with the second most ball recoveries by a Barcelona player, eight. His shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Ronaldo in the second half, that could've resulted in a penalty kick, remained a talking point well after the final whistle by the referee.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Adriano Correia</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.5</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>63</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>42</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>86%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0/0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>6.5</b></i></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Adriano struggled the most of any Barcelona defender with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> speed of attack. All of Di Maria, Ronaldo and Bale found it relatively easy to get past the Brazilian, but he was able to block a handful of would-be crosses. Even Jese outran the Barcelona full-back in added time to score the consolidation goal for Real Madrid. Adriano also earned a yellow card for a bad tackle on Ronaldo. The Brazilian did help out in attack a lot as he was often available for a pass from Neymar and Iniesta, and his passes in the final third were also very accurate. </p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Sergio Busquets</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.4</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>63</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>52</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>96%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>6.5</b></i></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Busquets performed well in his role as Barcelona’s interceptor, breaking up Madrid attacks three times and always looking to start attacks. His passing as usual was near perfection, a 96% success rate helped Barcelona to the win. But Busquets was guilty of having the ball played over him too often, especially when Ronaldo or Bale were attacking the defence which left Mascherano and Piqué vulnerable. Which can be seen for Madrid’s goal.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Xavi</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.8</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>97</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>89</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>91%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers:</span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another good game for Xavi tonight. With both Iniesta and Fàbregas on the pitch, Xavi needed to take a more conservative approach to the game so that Barcelona were not overrun in midfield. He did this well whist also offering an attacking option when Fàbregas and Iniesta left the pitch. Like Busquets, his passing was excellent but that’s hardly surprising for Xavi. Not one of the stars of the game but Xavi can feel satisfied with his contribution.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110863/andres-iniesta">Andrés Iniesta</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.3</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>77</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>65</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>51</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>86%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Iniesta was superb tonight. Assisting for the first time in the league this season, Iniesta found Neymar before the Brazilian finished for Barcelona’s opener. Iniesta pushed forward much more in the game then he has done this season and always seemed to be an option to pass to. This wasn’t just in the opposition’s half though, when Barcelona needed a way out in defines Iniesta was there. Tackling five times and tricking his way past the opposition before starting the counterattack. A great game for the Spaniard before being substituted for <span>Alex Song</span> in the 77th minute.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Cesc Fabregas</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.8</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>70</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>47</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>38</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>87%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: 7</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">The statistics appear to suggest that Cesc Fabregas played a poor game yesterday -- and in some respects, it's easy to agree with that assessment. He didn't make any direct impact on the game throughout his 70 minutes on the pitch, but his mere presence disrupted the Madrid gameplan and created acres of space for Neymar and Andres Iniesta to thrive.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.2</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>78</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>58</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>78%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal">Somehow, Lionel Messi's performance last night attracted criticism from some Cules, who were disappointed with his offensive contributions -- or lack thereof. On another night however, Messi would have grabbed his usual goal, firing just wide against the onrushing Diego Lopez (question: would Messi have attempted to chip <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a> if he was between the sticks?) and he more than made up for his "lack of production" with a insatiable defensive workrate. With five tackles, Messi won more challenges than the whole of the Barca defense combined and took me back to what I thought was a bygone era, in which the world's best player worked harder than any other player on the field.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Neymar</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.7</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>84</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>46</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>33</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>79%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3/3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">In his post-match editorial, our very own Xoel Cardenas penned this match "El Clasico de Neymar" such was the Brazilian's influence on proceedings. Up against Real Madrid's marquee signing, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/112120/gareth-bale">Gareth Bale</a>, Neymar demonstrated exactly why Sandro Rosell was so keen to sign him this summer, opening the scoring with a well-taken effort in the 19th minute, before setting up Alexis Sanchez' memorable winner.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Alexis Sanchez</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.3</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>20</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>15</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>12</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>50%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1/1</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><i>¡</i></span><i>Que Golazo!</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1884309/10496578165_44b224e404_o.gif"><img alt="10496578165_44b224e404_o_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1884309/10496578165_44b224e404_o_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>via @corkgaines</p>
<p>That is all.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Alex Song</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.6</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>13</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>10</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>83%</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>N/A</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">A surprise substitute, Alex Song performed his duties to perfection on Saturday, but didn't see enough gametime to get a rating from me.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Pedro</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.0</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0%</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>N/A</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pedro barely saw a touch of the ball and doesn't receive a full rating.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">The Team</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.9</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>544</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: </span><span class="statwords"><b>83%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: </span><span class="statwords"><b>12/5</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>23</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Battles Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>35%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won/Committed: </span><span class="statwords"><b>16/19</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">This wasn't the best performance we will see from Martino's team, but it sure was effective. Real Madrid created far fewer chances than recent Clasicos -- and for the most part, the chances they were creating were falling to the likes of Sami Khedira, rather than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. A memorable victory.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Gerardo Martino</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.9</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>10</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">The tactics were spot on. The team selection was spot on. The substitutions were perfect. As far as Clasico debuts go, this was a blinder from Martino.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">MOTM - Neymar</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>52%</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<br><div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says: Neymar</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="font-size: 12px;" class="MsoNormal">With just over 50% of the vote, Neymar clinched yet another Man of the Match award ahead of Victor Valdes (17%) and Andres Iniesta (13%).</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/27/5035780/el-clasico-fc-barcelona-2-1-real-madrid-player-ratingsArron Duckling2013-10-26T20:22:42+02:002013-10-26T20:22:42+02:00FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid: Match Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f8o4le8iYJHFA8wB9eVK1f8PPwU=/139x270:2877x2095/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21814239/185933107.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Recap of Barcelona win over eternal rivals, Real Madrid, in the first El Clasico of the 2013-2014 La Liga season</p> <p>In a very open game Barcelona were able to beat Real Madrid as goals by Neymar and Alexis Sanchez were enough for the Catalans to record their first La Liga El Clasico victory since December 2011. Jese Rodriguez scored the consolidation goal for the visitors in added time.</p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
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<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205"><br></td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a><br></b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a><br></b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Possession</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>55%</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>45%</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>12</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>10</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>5</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>6</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>83%</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>79%</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Fouls</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>19</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>16</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Offsides</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>3</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>1</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>2</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>5</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
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<td style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p align="justify">Teams were presented in front of a beautiful mosaic in support of Tito Vilanova. Tata Martino experimented with the lineup a little bit, playing all four <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>, Xavi and Andres Iniesta at the same time, something we have rarely seen. In defense, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a> recovered in time to start the game alongside <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>.</p>
<p align="justify">Barça started strong, with Cesc and Neymar causing the most problems to the defense playing in white, but the most dangerous attempt in the early going, a long range effort by Cesc, was blocked by Neymar.</p>
<p align="justify">Real Madrid, of course, also spent their fair share of time in Barcelona's third, but they struggled to create any solid chances. In the 7th minute the visitors launched a quick counter that was stopped by <span>Sergio Busquets</span> with a foul that the referee, Alberto Undiano Mallenco, thought it warranted a yellow card.</p>
<p align="justify">The game didn't start with a lot of physicality, but 15 minutes in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a> made sure that that would not be the case anymore. He elbowed Neymar twice in the head in a span of about 25 seconds, earning a booking for the second one.</p>
<p align="justify">Even though both sides spent quite some time around the opponents' penalty box the first shot on goal didn't come until the 17th minute when Neymar forced Diego Lopez to make a save. In the next minute Neymar, with a bit of luck, put Barcelona in the lead. Iniesta found space through the middle and found Neymar on the left side. From there the Brazilian fired on goal and beat the Madrid goalkeeper for the first goal of the game. Neymar's shot was partially blocked by <span>Daniel Carvajal</span>, went through the legs of <span>Raphaël Varane</span> and inside the far post.</p>
<p align="justify">In the 20th minute Messi had his first opportunity of the game, and he should've made it 2-0. Once again Iniesta supplied a brilliant through ball and Messi had acres of space down the right side of the penalty box. He aimed for the far post, but with Lopez well positioned Messi fired wide of the goal.</p>
<p align="justify">Shell-shocked a bit by the goal Real Madrid struggled to connect passes in their attacking third, making in easier for Barcelona to defend. Because of Barcelona's good positioning Real Madrid, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/112120/gareth-bale">Gareth Bale</a> especially, were forced to take shots from the perimeter, but they didn't threaten Victor Valdes.</p>
<p align="justify">Real Madrid had the most success attacking down Adriano's side where, Angel Di Maria, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Bale were successful in making his way past the Brazilian. Adriano even made a clumsy tackle on Ronaldo and earned a yellow card.</p>
<p align="justify">But the chance of the half for Real Madrid came in the 45th minute after Ronaldo easily made his way past <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> and sent a dangerous cross to the six-yard box. There Sami Khedira made good contact, but somehow Valdes made a left-footed save. The German international appealed for a penalty for a handball by Adriano, the ball really did strike Adriano's hand after the save, but the referee didn't point to the spot.</p>
<p align="justify">That was the last chance either team would create in the first half, though, Bale did have just enough time to receive a yellow card before the halftime whistle. At halftime Barcelona therefore led by the smallest of margins courtesy of Neymar's first El Clasico goal.</p>
<p align="justify">Both teams started the second half with the same lineups they ended the first one. After the restart Real Madrid tried to surprise Barcelona with early pressure and quickly won a corner kick, but Valdes confidently claimed the cross. The visitors had another good scoring opportunity six minutes in after an errant pass by Mascherano. Khedira probably should've taken the shot from the edge of the box, but he went too far and was left only with an option to cross the ball. The long sequence in Barcelona's box finally ended when Pique cleared the danger with a good header.</p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona then went forward and immediately caused havoc, but a couple good blocks by the Madrid defense, including one on a thunderous Iniesta drive, resulted in no work for Lopez. But the Madrid goalkeeper was called into action a minute later when Neymar was played through brilliantly by Iniesta, but the Brazilian's try was well saved.</p>
<p align="justify"><span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> then made sure that Ramos wouldn't again get sent off in an El Clasico, replacing him with Asier Illarramendi. The back and forth action continued with Real getting the next two shots on goal, after Iniesta turned the ball over. Ronaldo got a good shot on Valdes, but the Barcelona goalkeeper made an excellent stop to deny Ronaldo the equalizer. From the ensuing corner kick Di Maria was able to put one on goal from outside of the box, but Valdes was again perfectly positioned to make the stop.</p>
<p align="justify">Real then made their second substitution of the match, with Bale taking a seat on the visitors' bench and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> taking his place in attack. 20 minutes into the second half a chance suddenly presented itself to Di Maria, but as if he was surprised the ball came through, the Argentine couldn't control the ball on the edge of the penalty area.</p>
<p align="justify">With Real Madrid slowly taking over control of the match, Tata Martino responded with a substitution of his own. Alexis, who many thought would start the match replaced Cesc in the Barcelona front three.</p>
<p align="justify">About a minute later Ronaldo threw what can nowadays only be described as one of his trademark fits, after he was brought down in the penalty box by Mascherano and denied a penalty. Both players went for the loose ball and Mascherano threw the shoulder into Ronaldo in a play that is very rarely called a foul, let alone a penalty. Ronaldo did have half a step on Mascherano at the time of the "shove", but the referee decided against pointing to the penalty spot.</p>
<p align="justify">On the very next play Benzema fired a powerful shot from 20 yards out that beat Valdes, but rattled the crossbar. It was an excellent drive by the Frenchman and Barcelona were lucky that one didn't tie the game.</p>
<p align="justify">At the half hour mark of the second half both teams made a substitution. First Real Madrid replaced Di Maria with a natural striker, Jese, while Barcelona shored up their defense as <span>Alex Song</span> replaced the hard working Iniesta.</p>
<p align="justify">And two minutes later Alexis doubled the lead with a <i>golazo</i>. Played behind (most of) the defense by Neymar, Alexis only had Varane to beat. The Chilean decided he won't bother with that, and with Varane giving him two feet of space, Alexis "simply" lobbed Lopez from the edge. A truly brilliant goal by the in-form forward.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1882653/alexissanchez_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Alexissanchez_medium_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1882653/alexissanchez_medium_medium.gif"></p>
<p align="justify">Understandably Barcelona decided pulled back at bit, but easily withstood a three minute barrage of crosses with good headers by both Pique and Song. But with Real bringing everybody forward, Barcelona had a lot of space on the counter. Even Alves got in on the action and went for goal, after he beautifully dribbled past Ronaldo, but Lopez saved his attempt.</p>
<p align="justify">In the 84th minute Tata Martino brought in another defensively responsible forward, Pedro, who replaced Neymar.</p>
<p align="justify">Five minutes before the final whistle a breakdown on the right side of the Barcelona defense gifted a one-on-one chance to Khedira, but once again Valdes was able to deny him a goal. But the Barcelona goalkeeper wasn't able to end the game with a clean sheet. Ronaldo played through Jese, who outran Adriano, and fired from outside the box to beat Valdes. Valdes made tougher saves in the game than this one would've been, but thankfully that was the only one he would allow as Barcelona were able to hold on to the one goal lead and celebrate the victory.</p>
<p align="justify">All in all it was a strong performance by Barcelona, but question marks remain due to the leaky defense that allowed too many golden chances once again even though it seamed impenetrable just seconds before. With the three points Barcelona ensured themselves the league lead after this round of football is completed, regardless of Atletico Madrid's result. But, perhaps even more importantly, it increased Barcelona's lead over Real Madrid to six points.</p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona continue their frantic pace of games as the Catalans will again be in action on Tuesday when the league leaders will face <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/celta-vigo">Celta Vigo</a>.</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dEhKUFhaSFRnajUyS1drempOTnd0ZVE6MA" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="760" frameborder="0" height="550">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/26/5031658/el-clasico-fc-barcelona-2-1-real-madrid-match-reviewBostjan Cernensek2013-10-26T17:07:46+02:002013-10-26T17:07:46+02:00FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Live Game Thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gxVzWKgERicXSe1EAp8ZcfKZM5g=/300x383:3018x2195/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21805433/182120557.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>Live game thread for the first El Clasico of the 2013-2014 La Liga season</p> <p align="center">La Liga: Jornada 10<br>Kickoff: Saturday, 26 October 2013; 18:00 CET<br>Camp Nou, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a><br>Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco</p>
<p>Line-ups:</p>
<p align="justify">FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdés; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a>, Gerard Piqué, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>, <span>Adriano Correia</span>; <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, Xavi, Andres Iniesta; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>, Neymar</p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: Jose Manuel Pinto, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a>, <span>Martin Montoya</span>, <span>Alex Song</span>, <span>Sergi Roberto</span>, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro</p>
<p align="justify"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> (4-3-2-1): Diego López; <span>Daniel Carvajal</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a>, <span>Raphaël Varane</span>, Marcelo; Pepe, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a>; Ángel di María, Luka Modrić, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/112120/gareth-bale">Gareth Bale</a>; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110655/fabio-coentrao">Fábio Coentrão</a>, Álvaro Arbeloa, <span>Asier Illarramendi</span>, Isco, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a>, <span>Jesé Rodríguez</span></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/26/5030744/el-clasico-fc-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-game-threadBostjan Cernensek2013-10-26T10:43:25+02:002013-10-26T10:43:25+02:00Predict the Score: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
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<img alt="For Tito!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K4ACbVM5-TgKbViSVVED9Uy8q9I=/0x332:2662x2107/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21791205/173793616.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>For Tito! | David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A chance to predict the outcome of tonight's Clasico match-up between table-topping FC Barcelona and their eternal rivals, Real Madrid</p> <p> </p>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><i>'Força Tito!'</i></i></div>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> plan to honour their recently departed head coach <span>Tito Vilanova</span> tonight, emblazoning the Camp Nou with an inspirational message of support for the Catalan manager who continues the treatment that forced him out of the dugout this summer. For Gerardo Martino especially, Tito Vilanova is an motivational figure; despite his health issues, Vilanova guided the Blaugrana to a record-breaking La Liga win last season -- and it all started back in August, as Tito guided his side to a 3-2 win in his El Clasico debut as head coach.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With 25 points from a possible 27, there is a feeling that Gerardo Martino's side may well rival or even beat Vilanova's record point haul -- but in order to keep the momentum going, and in order to stay atop of La Liga, Barça must defeat <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> tonight in front of a full house at the Camp Nou.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Club captain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a> is back from injury and tipped to start in the centre of defense. Summer signing Neymar is ready and raring to go, eager to make his presence felt on what will be his Clasico debut while four-time Ballon d'Or winner <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> is back to full fitness after a few weeks on the sideline. Real Madrid on the other hand will be without a few key players, while world record signing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/112120/gareth-bale">Gareth Bale</a> is expected to start on the bench as he continues his return from injury.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And these facts are reflected in the pre-match odds; Barcelona are slight favourites for a game that many are predicting will be too close to call. But what do you think? Do you think this match is too close to call, or are you bold enough to make a prediction below? Remember, all correct predictions are logged and the community member with the most correct predictions at the season's end will be rewarded with a brand-new FC Barcelona jersey of their choice. Best of luck and enjoy the game!</p>
<h4>More from Barca Blaugranes:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/26/5029680/a-look-at-andres-iniestas-start-to-the-season?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">A Look at Andrés Iniesta's Start to the Season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/26/5029604/el-clasico-fc-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-match-preview?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">El Clasico: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Match Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/25/5027488/fc-barcelona-news-25-october-2013-jonathan-dos-santos-out-for-6?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona News: 25 October 2013; Jonathan Dos Santos Out for 6 Months, Barca Agree to Gatorade Partnership</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/24/5024150/la-liga-clasico-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-preview-with-managing-madrid?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">La Liga Clasico: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Preview with Managing Madrid</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/24/5023758/fc-barcelona-news-24-october-2013-jonathan-dos-santos-injures-acl?utm_source=barcablaugranes&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Barcelona News: 24 October 2013; Gerard Pique a Doubt for El Clasico, Jonathan Dos Santos Injures ACL</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/10/26/5030724/el-clasico-fc-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling