In Sunday’s “clasico,” Real Madrid’s defeated Barcelona with Carlo Ancelotti learning his lesson.
Last season, Madrid lost 4-0 to Barcelona at home, so the coach didn’t try anything different this time, as Madrid won 3-1 to lead the Spanish league.
Moreover, it dealt Barcelona another blow four days after its Champions League hopes were all but over.
Luka Modric was used by Ancelotti in the “false nine” position last season and Barcelona thrashed Madrid.
“I reflected on what happened last season, when I tried something different,” Ancelotti said. The players were left in their positions for this match, and Modric played an outstanding match in midfield.”
A 3-0 win over Barcelona was secured with goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo. Both rivals had tied on points, with Barcelona leading on goal difference.
Last meeting of Madrid’s and Real
The last time Madrid’s and Real met at the Bernabeu, Madrid had lost 4-0, the only setback in their seven “clasicos.”
As a result of Sunday’s defeat, Barcelona is virtually eliminated from the Champions League, two rounds away from its exit.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said, “We had our chances, but nothing is going our way.” He added, “I believe that this dynamic needs to be changed as soon as possible.”
Despite Lionel Messi’s absence, Barcelona spent heavily on bolstering its squad, adding Roberto Lewandowski and Raphinha.
In the first half, Lewandowski wasted his best chance, missing high.
Barcelona dominated possession and created scoring chances, but Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s defensive shortcomings to score.
Controlling possession
In spite of their controlling possession, we were effective up front, scoring three goals,” Modric said.
Marc-André ter Stegen saved Benzema’s shot from inside the area in a one-on-one with Vincius Junior in the 12th minute. It was Benzema’s first goal in six matches and his first goal in the Premier League. The second half of the match also saw him disallowed a goal for offside.
Ferran Torres got one back for the visitors in the 83rd with a low shot from just outside the area by Valverde.
Rodrygo sealed the win for Madrid by converting a penalty kick in stoppage time.
The Barcelona defender Jules Kounde said they were very disappointed. The match wasn’t bad, but we made mistakes in transition in the first half and they capitalized.”
Xavi had to improvise as a center back with Koundé to cover for an injured Thibaut Courtois for Madrid.
Madrid’s drew 1-1 with Mallorca
In the seventh round of the league, Madrid’s drew 1-1 with Mallorca at home, its only loss in nine matches.
With only one league goal conceded in eight matches, Barcelona entered the match having drawn only once.
In all competitions, Real Sociedad won 2-1 at Celta Vigo for its seventh straight victory.
Igor Zubeldia and Asier Illarramendi scored in each half for Sociedad, which remained in fifth place.
Four of Celta’s last five games have ended in defeat, including a first-half goal by veteran striker Iago Aspas.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
William Carvalho (3) and Borja Iglesias scored two goals each to lift Real Betis to fourth after the 3-1 victory over Almera.
A goal from Joselu in the 78th minute gave Espanyol a 1-0 win over Valladolid in the 13th position. Despite staying just outside of the relegation zone, Valladolid managed to stay above the drop zone.
