Talking points from the El Clasico

The Greatest rivalry match in the History of Football Barcelona vs Real Madrid end up with final score Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 2. Here we have talking points from El Clasico.

5) Cristiano Ronaldo knows how and when to shut up his critics – After being criticised for his below-par performances against big teams this season, Ronaldo scored the all important goal as his inspired last 20 minutes was enough to edge out Barcelona 1-2 at the Nou Camp. He may have scored close to 40 goals already this season but he will be celebrating this winning goal for a long time to come.

4) MSN trident weary and tired – After a busy International schedule where they were to play in the CONMEBOL qualifiers and were visibly tired and stretched out as they missed a number of chances to put the game to bed in the early minutes. However as the game went on, their effect on the pitch was further reduced and the team could never make it back into the game. All eyes will be on them now as the game against Atlético Madrid is scheduled for Tuesday. MSN needs to start firing on all cylinders if the team is to push for glory this season.

3) Ramos moments of madness – Many predicted Madrid’s legendary defender Ramos to be sent off. He is the player who has the highest number of red cards for the club and didn’t disappoint the opposition again as he committed a string of fouls and was perhaps lucky to be on the pitch for so long. A defender of his quality ought to do better and must be careful as the most important part of the season approaches. He is now the player with the most number of sending-offs in the Spanish top flight. A result he must despise.

2) Unbeaten run is finally ended –Barcelona’s 39-match unbeaten run spanning a total of 6 months was finally ended by a resilient Madrid as the Meringues ran out 1-2 winners in front of the Camp Nou crowd. Many expected a repeat of the 0-4 thrashing Madrid received. But that was not to happen as Ronaldo and Benzema combined to inflict defeat on the Catalans. Looks like there is still a lot to go for Catalans before they can aim for another treble.

1) Zidane masterclass — Coming into the match with a lot of pressure, the legendary Frenchman lived upto his class to deliver a managerial masterclass. Starting Casemiro and Pepe in place of Isco/James and Varane was spot on as both were two of the most influential players in the pitch alongside Marcelo Viera. The team defended well, absorbed the pressure Barça put on them initially and after the 60 minute mark let all cannons loose at Camp Nou. Never since the days of Jose Mourinho was such counterattacking football seen in the Blaugrana home ground. With performances like this, Zidane must be the best shot for Madrid in their quest for glory.