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#1. Barcelona’s game management wins the day
In the Copa Del Rey, Barcelona was second best for a major chunk of the game. Yet, they showcased machine-like efficiency to gobble up their chances and put the result beyond doubt.
In the Clasico on Saturday, that trait came to the fore again as the visitors scripted a fourth consecutive La Liga victory at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid enjoyed a lot of the ball and tried to ruffle Barcelona’s feathers through swift passing passages. However, the away side was content to ride the wave and wait for their opportunity to pounce.
One such opening arrived in the 26th minute and Rakitic clinically punished the hosts.
Apart from the goal, the visitors patiently pushed and probed without ever going too gung-ho and leaving themselves exposed at the back, thus highlighting that the infamous night in Rome in April 2018 was only an anomaly.
By no means did Barcelona produce one of their vintage displays on Saturday evening. Yet, they did what was necessary to emerge with the three points. After all, that is the hallmark of champions: the ability to win ugly.
And when you win ugly at Real Madrid for the second game running, you know that you’re doing something right.
