Tactically daring, FC Barcelona corrected Real Madrid (4-0) on Saturday on the Santiago Bernabéu pitch, thanks to an immense Robert Lewandowski, author of a double in two minutes, which eclipsed the two Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. With its armada of stars, its probable future Ballon d’Or, and the immense expectations surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s debut in the Clasico, we could almost have forgotten that Barça, too, had a world-class striker in its ranks. At 36, Robert Lewandowski doused the Madrid supporters with a clinical double in the space of two minutes in the second half (54 and 56th), reminding those who perhaps doubted it, that he remained one of the best No. 9s in the world.
Author of his thirteenth and fourteenth league goals, the Pole rewarded, with his experience and his composure, a collective Barcelona performance full of audacity, finished in demonstration with two other goals from the Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, his first in a Clasico (77th), and from the Brazilian Raphinh
a (84th).
This new-look Barça (1st, 30 points) consolidates its place as leader of the Spanish championship with a six-point lead over its great rival, the reigning champion. However, Hansi Flick’s players have long played with fire with a very high positioning on the pitch and a desire to project themselves quickly forward which goes against their possession football.
For his first Clasico in the Merengue jersey, French striker Kylian Mbappé, author of two disallowed goals (30th, 66th) did not manage to take advantage and ultimately had a nightmare evening by being systematically caught offside by the Barcelona defense, then thwarted by Catalan goalkeeper Inaki Pena (61st, 65th).
– The Bernabéu plunged into silence –
With its ambitious tactical plan, the Catalan club came close to being beaten several times in the first half, but ultimately went into the locker room at 0-0, thanks to exceptional depth management by its defenders, notably the young Pau Cubarsi, who was impeccably good at just 17 years old
.
This very risky approach from the new German coach Hansi Flick has paid off, as has often been the case since the start of the season, and has been extremely frustrating for the Merengues.
Having identified the potential weakness of their opponents, Carlo Ancelotti’s men almost systematically sought to catch the Catalans out in depth, without ever succeeding, with twelve offside calls and decisive saves from the inexperienced Inaki Pena.
Ironically enough, they were themselves the victims of poor alignments from Lucas Vazquez and full-back Ferland Mendy, on three of Barcelona’s four goals.
A real lesson for the King of Europe, whose legendary stadium was plunged into deep silence by this bitter defeat, the first in 42 league matches.
Source: Burkina Information Agency