EL CLASSICO Review: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.

Football Club Barcelona triumphed with a 4-3 win over archrivals Real Madrid in a La Liga match that could decide the winner of the Spanish title. Both teams showcased their attacking prowess and defensive abilities, leaving the fans of both teams breathless. This is a review of the match.

Build Up

Going into the match, Football Club Barcelona, led by new head coach Hani Flick, had earlier beaten Real Madrid three times, with the latest of it all being the late goal from Jules Kounde to secure the Copa Del Rey title for Barcelona after extra time was played.

The Estadio Olímpic Lluís Companys was the stadium that hosted this fixture, with Barcelona playing as the home team and with over 60,000 being present to watch the game.

First Half.

In the first 20 minutes of the game, Real Madrid started the game on a strong foot. In the 5th minute, Kylian Mbappe silenced the whole home crowd after he converted a penalty he won after a challenge from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. In the 14th minute again, Kylian Mbappe got the second for Real Madrid after a pass was received from Vinicius Junior.

Hansi Flick’s team began the comeback after Eric Garcia scored a header after a corner was delivered into the box. 17-year-old wonder kid Lamine Yamal in the 32nd minute equalized for Barcelona with a long-range shot outside the penalty box. Raphinha later got the third and fourth for Barcelona in the 34th and 45th minutes. The first half ended 4-2 in favor of Barcelona.

Second Half

At the start of the second half, head coach for Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti made two tactical changes, bringing off Guler and Ceballos and bringing in Brahim Diaz and Modric. This substitution changed the game, with Real Madrid having a lot of ball possession.

Kylian Mbappe had the third for Real Madrid and his hat trick in the 70th minute, bringing the scoreline to 4-3. Barcelona later brought in Christensen, Balde, Fermin Lopez, and Hector fought to seal the win. Fermin Lopez scored after a mistake from Valverde but was later disallowed by VAR as there was a handball situation in the buildup to the goal. The game ended Barcelona 4-3 Real Madrid.

Key Performances

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): His hat trick showcased his world-class talent as a striker. His pace and ability to take on defenders were Madrid’s lifeline.

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) The Belgian goalkeeper also helped Real Madrid by making 5 crucial saves for which all could have ended as goals for Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) The teenager’s equalizer was a highlight showcasing why he is a generational talent.

Raphinha (Barcelona) The Brazilian forward could also have ended with a hat trick but managed to pick up a brace.