Everything Barca
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The story of Real Madrid’s destruction at the hands of Barcelona

By Chiranjib Ghosh

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Sergio Ramos and Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid react as Philippe Coutinho of Barcelona scores his sides first goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on October 28, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Sergio Ramos and Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid react as Philippe Coutinho of Barcelona scores his sides first goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on October 28, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid were annihilated 5-1 by Barcelona in El Clásico

José Mourinho, who is one of the greatest managers of all-time, was introduced to El Clásico with the worst defeat of his career. Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side produced a brilliant performance to seal 5-0 hiding, with David Villa bagging a brace and Sergio Ramos receiving a red card.

The Clásico has given a display of its cruelty against subsequent Real Madrid head coaches, most notably Rafa Benítez. But the latest in this line of reputed coaches is former Barcelona player Julen Lopetegui, whose Real Madrid side lost 5-1 to his former teammate Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Real Madrid were in a run of bad form, but had started to turn it around with a 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzeň in the run-up to El Clásico. After a very poor start to the season, the Clásico was Julen Lopetegui’s chance to show his worth to Florentino Pérez.

But the ex-Spain manager failed miserably. He failed to inspire the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Marcelo and Luka Modrić shone temporarily after some positive changes made by Lopetegui at half-time, but failed to impress for the rest of the game.

His substitutions were mostly ineffective, with the possible exception of Lucas Vázquez, who drifted down the right flank to float in crosses. Overall, Real Madrid were uninspiring, non-creative and wasteful in possession, which was evident by the fact that they failed to create chances.

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Barcelona were the polar opposite in that respect. The side registered 8 shots on target, and managed to retain possession for prolonged periods of time. The midfield trio, Arthur, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitić had a brilliant game, commanding play in Leo Messi’s absence.

Ernesto Valverde made some brilliant substitutions, bringing on Ousmane Dembélé, Nélson Semedo and Arturo Vidal to replace Philippe Coutinho, Rafinha and Arthur, none of them had been anything but brilliant, with the exception of Rafinha.

Dembélé was immediately involved in a goal after coming on, and assisted Arturo Vidal with a good cross after getting past Nacho with some finesse. Nélson Semedo also had an opportunity late on, but he put it wide.

Barça had a clear game plan from the beginning of the tie, and stuck to it for the most part. Every player played his role perfectly well, and the defence surprisingly held tight, even under pressure. The Clásico debutants, Arthur and Arturo Vidal, should be very proud of themselves.

Luis Suárez reaffirmed his status as one of the best forwards in the world, while Dembélé made a case for a return to the first-team with his performance off the bench. Arturo Vidal also showed that he is a very useful supersub, and can make an impact off the bench.

dark. Next. Suárez's hat-trick seals Lopetegui's fate

Barcelona are now 2 points clear at the top in the La Liga standings after 10 games played, while European champions Real Madrid languish at 9th, below the likes of Levante and Real Valladolid, who were struggling with a relegation battle last season.