FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid: Recap and Match Analysis

In a historic and epic El Clasico showdown in Miami, Barcelona stand tall and get the 3-2 victory over hated rivals Real Madrid.

The spectacle that is El Clasico lived up to all of the hype despite match being just a friendly. The fans of both sides didn’t treat this match like a friendly. Hard Rock Stadium was absolutely insane and they got treated to some awesome football. Overall, it was the Blaugrana that won the night as they defeated Real Madrid 3-2. Amidst the speculation of Neymar and the absence of Ronaldo, Barca and Madrid played their best for a friendly.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a shot that took a deflection past goalkeeper Keylor Navas. In addition, Ivan Rakitic scored on an excellent strike and Barca were up 2-0 within seven minutes. Despite that, Real Madrid found their way back into the match courtesy of goals from Mateo Kovacic and Marco Asensio. It was end to end football for most of the match and both teams got their chances.

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In the second half, Gerard Pique scored off of a set piece to ensure the final score of the entertaining match. Barca got a great second half performance from Jasper Cillessen. The Dutch goalkeeper made some insane saves to keep Madrid at bay. Meanwhile, most of the starting 11 played for some of the second half. However, Ernesto Valverde made changes around the 60 minute mark. Players like Nelson Semedo got to see some action in the second half.

Neymar didn’t score for the first time this preseason. The Brazilian star is linked to a big move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, the decision from Neymar is unclear but imminent. Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t play due to personal reasons. Madrid fans were definitely disappointed that he didn’t come to Miami. Despite that, they enjoyed that Real Madrid came to Miami to play against Barcelona in this thrilling encounter.

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Overall, the fans were treated to the beautiful game in its highest form. If this is how great the skill is in a friendly, the Spanish Super Cup will be very fun to watch. The two teams meet in a two-leg playoff for the Super Cup beginning in August. For Barca, they clinch the International Champions Cup with this victory. Hopefully, the Neymar decision comes soon so that Barca can prepare for the season with or without the star winger. Nonetheless, it was a great match.