Real Madrid climbed to the top of the La Liga table with a 2-1 win against Barcelona in the season’s first El Clasico at the Camp Nou Stadium on Sunday.
Real Madrid made it four consecutive Clasico victories for the first time since 1965, as goals from David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez heaped even more pressure on Ronald Koeman and Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
“We have to play without fear,” the Barcelona coach said. “We have to show that we can win and that we will be motivated to win from the start.”The players walk out in front of a packed Camp Nou Stadium as the kick-off comes closer. The ball was set rolling by Barcelona’s Fati , Real Madrid try to attack from the start , after an initial burst by Real , Barcelona are keeping most of the balls.
There was a couple of fouls from both the teams but nothing to worry for so far.But moments later, Vinicius finds himself at the end of a lofted pass down the left side. He cuts in and gets a corner and it results in another set-piece. No goals though.A penalty shout from the Real Madrid camp as Vinicius tumbles inside the Barcelona penalty box after dribbling past Mingueza. And the decision was announced.
The second half is underway! Barcelona have brought on Coutinho in place of Mingueza. Barcelona tried to come up in the second half but Real stayed continuing their game plan.Barcelona players have a collective shout for a penalty but Pique goes into the book for protest.Barcelona are still looking for the equaliser but Fati, Coutinho, Depay and the lot fail to conjure a proper move. On the other hand, Vinicius and Benzema continue to be a threat, forcing Ter Stegen into a couple of saves. Tight affair.A clash of heads at the Camp Nou! The team doctors are on the pitch now after Pique and Valverde suffer a clash of heads while contesting for an aerial ball. Meanwhile, Sergi Roberto and Luuk de Jong have come on for the Catalans. There was seven more minutes added on the injury time , considering the breakages of play due to the on-field treatments to Pique, Valverde and Courtois.
And it was a goal , Vazquez seals the deal for Real Madrid! From a Barcelona attacking phase of play, Real break away down the left side of the pitch. Asensio takes the ball into the opposition penalty box and Vazquez taps it in. All over for Barcelona now.All over! Despite Sergio Aguero’s first goal for the Catalan club in the dying seconds of the contest, Barcelona fail to win at home. Goals from David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez help their team to go top of the table with a 2-1 win at Camp Nou.
Real Madrid are sitting at the top of the La Liga points table with 20 points.