Barcelona draw 2-2 with Real Madrid to stay unbeaten
Barca came away with a draw in a thrilling encounter which was heavily influenced by the referee.
This was one of the few El Clasico’s which had no bearing on the title due to Barcelona’s dominance in the league this season. However, the heated rivalry was still on display because both teams had pride to play for. This was intrinsically tied in to Barcelona’s unbeaten record in the league. Neither side were willing to concede defeat, and the match ended in a stalemate. The pasillo, or lack of, dominated the pre-match headlines, but this match had plenty of controversy of its own.
It has to be acknowledged that Barca did play the entire second half with 10 men after Sergi Roberto was sent off near the end of the first half. It was a poor decision from the referee, but he made a number of them during the game. They weren’t just limited to Barcelona either. Although, Gareth Bale should have been sent off prior to the Roberto red card. These two decisions completely altered the complexion of the game. However, let’s focus on the actual game.
The First Half
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Barcelona started the game on the front foot, and were rewarded with an early goal. Some nice combination play led to Roberto being released on the wing, and his cross found Luis Suarez at the back post who duly finished. However, Real responded well and equalised not long after; Toni Kroos’ cross was headed back across goal by Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo bundled the ball over the line ahead of Gerard Pique.
The game calmed down after a fast start with the Catalans struggling to break down Real and Los Blancos looking dangerous on the break. It was interspersed with fouls and yellow cards for both teams before Roberto was sent off just before the break.
The Second Half
Ernesto Valverde was forced into reshuffling with Nelson Semedo coming on for Philippe Coutinho. Zinedine Zidane also made a change because Ronaldo had picked up a knock in the process of scoring. Asensio came on for the Portuguese forward. Barcelona started with a fresh impetus after the break as they played through Real’s high press effectively.
The impressive start was rewarded: Suarez dispossessed Raphael Varane high up the pitch and he found Messi who curled a finish past two defenders and Keylor Navas to take the lead. After this, the game changed with Barcelona mostly defending the lead. Suarez did have a goal disallowed for offside in the build-up, which was tight if not incorrect. Paulinho coming on for Andres Iniesta reflected this change in mindset, but Gareth Bale managed to score, regardless, with a lovely curled finish.
Next: Barcelona face Real Madrid in a Clasico of honour
It was a collective defensive performance for the rest of the game with Barca occasionally getting the chance on the break. Ivan Rakitic and Paulinho deserve plaudits for breaking up Real’s play in the central areas. Their work rate, driving runs and defensive contributions were key. Paulinho had a good chance to find the Croatian on the break close to the end, but his pass was not precise enough.
The Blaugrana somehow managed to hold on to the draw with Real piling on the pressure near the end. Real’s failure to put the ball out with Suarez down injured summed up their determination to score. However, Barca, and Valverde, will come away happiest after navigating a tough encounter well. This match was a fitting challenge for a team aiming to become invincible.
Barcelona’s unbeaten record is still intact. They are three games from making history in what would be a phenomenal achievement.