Real Madrid Tops Barcelona for the 2nd Time in Five Days

With a late goal by Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in the La Liga Clasico played this Saturday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, putting the Catalans in crisis mode never seen before by this generation. For the second time in five days RealMadrid tops Barcelona.

Madrid started the game with a mix between substitutions players and some of the usual starting eleven; in fact, the playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice at Barcelona on Tuesday didn’t play the first 45 minutes.

The Merengues rested not only Ronaldo, but also Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain; all with the idea to be fresh for the game they have to face against Manchester United on Tuesday, for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Real Madrid started with good rhythm and speed, to keep the momentum they gained in the 1-3 victory against Barcelona, in the Copa del Rey, early in the week.

Six minutes into the match, Morata sent a long cross to Karim Benzema inside the box; the French striker didn’t hesitate and scored the first goal of the game.

Barcelona entered the matchday with 16 points ahead of Madrid in the ‘La Liga’ standings and with the title almost in their pocket. A win for any of the teams wouldn’t do much for any squad, other than have the right to brag about the victory.

With one goal behind in the scoreboard, Barcelona started to play their usual game moving the ball around and dominating the ball possession.

The Blaugrana sent a long pass to Lionel Messi, who with a move to his left leg managed to create enough room to find the net and tie the contest 1-1.

It was Messi’s 18th goal in the Clasicos, which puts him on top of the all-time list, tie with Real Madrid legend, Alfredo Di Stefano.

In the second half, one of the best scoring chances belonged to Real as Morata shot to the body of goalkeeper Victor Valdes when he was on a one on one situation; the pass was from Pepe, who made a magical assist that Morata couldn’t finish it.

With Cristiano Ronaldo on the field since minute 55, Real Madrid gained intensity and a deeper approach to Barcelona’s defense.

The winning goal for the Merengues came in a header by Sergio Ramos, right after a corner kick made by Luca Modric. It seemed at the moment as the only way a goal could have gone in was by a free or corner kick.

Just before ending the game, Ronaldo’s free kick was stopped by the post, which could have been the third goal for Madrid.

Real Madrid beat Barcelona for the second time in just five days, and the Blaugrana lost their third game in the last four contests.

Lineups:

Real Madrid: Diego Lopez, Michael Essien, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Raphael Varane, Fabio Coentrao, Kakà, Luca Modric, Morata, José Miguel Callejon and Karim Benzema.

Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Mascherano, Pique, Jordi Alba, Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Thiago, Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro.