The last time Real Madrid left an El Clásico match without scoring a single goal was in March last year.
FC Barcelona put on an impressive show at the Bernabeu, defeating Real Madrid 4-0 to take a six-point lead in La Liga.
Match Review
On October 26, Madrid-Barcelona, the two Spanish biggest football clubs faced off in an eagerly anticipated El Clásico match at the Bernabeu Stadium. The match proved ineffective for the host team.
The first half of El Clásico was marked by narrow margins, with Real Madrid posing a constant threat but frequently finding themselves caught offside. This disruption stopped them from taking advantage of their chances.
Hansi Flick’s team dominated at their rivals' home, keeping Kylian Mbappé in check with a strong offside trap in the first half. After halftime, they turned up the pressure and scored four goals to secure a win.
Not the best match for Mbappé
Kylian was flagged offside a record six times in the first half of El Clásico. No other player in Europe’s top five leagues has been caught offside more times in a single match this season.
Real Madrid led in the first half of the match. However, the well-organized offside did not let them score a goal. Kylian Mbappé scored two goals, but both were disallowed as a result of the offside trick.
Los Blancos, overall, were caught offside 12 times during the match, their highest tally in a league game since March 2013. This included two cases where Kylian Mbappé had goals disallowed. The frequent offsides disrupted their attacking flow.
It seemed the "Mbappé effect" was left off the pitch. Vinicus Jr. was the footballer who kept the same pace to defend his team till the end.
The Catalan side led the match during the second half. They shifted into a higher gear and showed improved control of the ball. This change in momentum drew the whistles from the restless Santiago Bernabéu crowd, signaling their frustration.
Four goals from Barcelona
All four goals were scored during this time, two by Robert Lewandovski, one by Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.
For much of the first half, Lewandowski was largely uninvolved near the Madrid goal as the action unfolded at the other end. However, when the opportunity arose, he seized it immediately. After a precise pass from Marc Casado broke Madrid's offside trap, Lewandowski quickly fired a shot from the edge of the box, catching goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and the defenders off guard.
As The Athletic reports, Robert Lewandowski scored two quick goals for Barcelona in the 54th and 56th minutes. Lamine Yamal then scored his first El Clásico goal in the 77th minute, followed by Raphinha, who sealed the 4-0 victory with a goal six minutes before the end.
While this is not FCB's biggest win at the Bernabéu. Their famous 5-0 triumph in 1974 still holds that title. However, it was certainly impressive. Real Madrid had opportunities, particularly through Kylian Mbappé, but the disciplined Barcelona offside trap kept him at bay. Despite his efforts, Barcelona dominated the match, winning 4-0 at the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti's adjustments
Carlo Ancelotti made adjustments, turning to Modric to regain control in midfield. However, frustration grew among the players in white, as both Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. struggled to find the same danger and freedom they had enjoyed in the first half.
In the second half, the hosts struggled to break through Barcelona's defense. The Catalan side exposed increasing control of the game as Barcelona effectively neutralized their attacks, limiting their scoring opportunities.
Hansi Flick era
Barcelona, now under the management of Hansi Flick, have displayed noticeable improvement in their recent performances. Meanwhile, Real Madrid were relying on the attacking prowess of hat-trick hero Vinícius Jr., along with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, to secure victories and reclaim the top position in La Liga.
Despite some unexpected moments from Real Madrid, Flick's strategies have proven effective, leading to a strong showing from the Catalan side.
It was a perfect evening for Barcelona, showcasing the undeniable positive impact of Hansi Flick as the German coach has made a significant difference at the club. His tactics and leadership have greatly improved the team reflecting the positive changes he has brought to the squad.
