FC Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid: 3 things that Barcelona did right

FC Barcelona hosted Real Madrid with their eyes set on the La Liga unbeaten record.

The first half was an open affair with both teams creating chances aplenty though it was Real Madrid who looked more dangerous of the two. Barcelona took the lead courtesy a volleyed finish from Luis Suarez early in the game from a Sergi Roberto cross. However, their joy was short-lived as Ronaldo equalised at the other end soon enough.

If the goals were not enough, the first half was a feisty one in terms of fouls and cards shown. Apart from a number of yellow cards and brawls, Sergi Roberto was shown a straight red for a retaliatory punch on Marcelo.

The second half started with the same intensity as the first half. Despite being a man down, Barcelona managed to take the lead courtesy a fine Lionel Messi strike.

Barcelona dominated the initial moments of the second half but the numerical disadvantage started to show up. Real Madrid equalised via a fine strike from Bale. Thereon, Barca defended resolutely to keep its unbeaten run intact.

Here, let's take a look at the three things Barca did right.

---

#1 Not starting Paulinho

Paulinho in an altercation with Lucas Vazquez

This can be a debatable point here as Paulinho was quite instrumental since coming on for Andres Iniesta in the second half. However, had Barcelona started him on the right, like the reverse fixture in December, it would have certainly curbed Sergi Roberto's creativity in the right-hand side of the middle third of the pitch.

While Roberto did have a moment of absolute stupidity when he earned his red, he still was quite effective and sumptuous while attacking from the right-hand side of the defence. His link-up play with Coutinho was good. They combined well to make those small one-twos on the right flank and trouble Madrid's defence.

While not starting Paulinho did make them a bit suspect defensively, and it did happen, but they certainly had a better chance of controlling the midfield without him.

#2 Substitutions

Roberto's red card was a pivotal moment

Valverde has often been criticized this season for his rotation of the squad and his substitutions, particularly their timings. If anything, this match had the potential to turn into one just the Roma second leg in UCL for Barca - man down, unbeaten run on a stake, Madrid smelled blood.

However, kudos to Valverde for replacing firstly Coutinho with Nelson Semedo and then later Iniesta with Paulinho. While it was apparent that either of them had to be sacrificed, but it was the order in which they were substituted off was what made the difference.

Taking off Coutinho first and Andres Iniesta later gave Barcelona a few moments of midfield control in the second half and that made all the difference.

Had it been the other way round, I doubt that Barcelona would have come out with all guns blazing as they did in the match.

#3 Momentum at the beginning of the second half

Iniesta leaving the field after a great performance in his last Clasico

Barcelona were under attack in the first half and looked more likely to concede than their arch-rivals. Add to that Sergi Roberto's red card on the cusp of halftime. The game demanded precise and perfect tactical decisions from Valverde, and he did not let his side down.

The way Barcelona came out in the second half was commendable. They did not allow Real Madrid to settle and attack. Instead, they took control of the proceedings.

This stage of dominance did break Madrid's flow and hampered their attacking game to some extent. What could have been a rout was turned into something quite favourable for themselves.

The Blaugrana dominated possession and further went on to take the lead via a beautiful Lionel Messi strike. And in centre of all this, there was one man, Andres Iniesta. Iniesta pulled the strings from midfield for Barcelona for the last time in an El Clasico.

He kept the ball, moved forward, and strung together passes after passes to allow Barcelona keep the possession of the ball. The home side in the past have had the luxury of hogging the ball for the sake of it. On this occasion though, it was quite mandatory for them.