Matchday 26 El Clasico Review: Different competition but same old story

Real Madrid faced Barcelona twice in the span of 3 days and were defeated twice in their own stadium. Real Madrid, after playing their hearts out in the Copa Del Rey, were still humbled by a 3-0 defeat and knocked out of the competition with an aggregate score of 4-1.

Real Madrid were looking to redeem themselves, hoping to avenge their Copa Del Rey loss in the match week 26 of La Liga, but their hopes were squandered yet again as Ivan Rakitic's brilliant finish proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Gareth Bale was a surprise inclusion in the starting eleven, but he failed to make an impact yet again. Real Madrid started the game fully in control of the proceedings but Barca broke through in the 26th minute when Rakitic raced clear of Ramos and chipped a fine finish over Courtois. The Catalans were content to sit back and absorb the pressure after having the lead with Madrid still insisting but chances were not easy to come.

Barcelona learned from their previous mistakes, dropped Semedo, and moved Roberto to right-back position to contain Vinicius Jr and Reguilon. He dealt with the lightning pace and skills of the Brazilian and also set-up the winning goal for Rakitic.

Barcelona as compared to their Copa Del Rey win seemed more composed on the ball, counter pressed effectively, made impressive off the ball movements, and most importantly defended better. Gerard Pique along with Lenglet were successful in neutralizing the threat posed by Benzema, Vinicius, and Bale. Meanwhile Alba and Dembele caused all kinds of trouble for Carvajal who would have preferred Vazquez (who might have shared the load of defending) over Bale.

The Los Blancos did not want to be beaten again in their own backyard and kept pushing everything forward. The likes of Vinicius, Asensio, Reguilon, and Carvajal kept pouring in crosses hoping for someone to head it in. The dynamic duo of Kroos and Modric were also unable to turn the game in their favor as they failed to create any clear cut chances. Solari even threw in the youngster Fede Valverde, Asensio and Isco in a bid to overturn the scorecard but found no luck. Meanwhile, Messi and Suarez kept the Madrid defenders engaged whenever they would break through on counters. Messi, despite not scoring, was vital, dropping deep to destabilize the midfield and create chances for his side. His work rate was immense as well.

Real Madrid still did not learn the most important thing from their midweek defeat to FC Barcelona: One chance is well enough for them to put the game to bed. That was the case this time as well. Real Madrid may have tried their level best to level the scores but Valverde trumped all plans Solari had for the game. The clinical prowess of Barcelona was enough to see off the game and it is majorly something that Real Madrid lack.

Real Madrid have failed to beat Barcelona in any of the Clasicos this season. If they need to keep up with Barca in the coming seasons. they need a poacher who is capable of finishing off their chances. The Whites also need to work on their defending structure as they open up quite easily. Hopefully, El Clasicos in the coming seasons will be much more interesting to watch when Madrid strengthens its side with some world class signings.