Once beaten, twice shy they say. What about when you’re beaten twice?
Fans of football were excited to know El Classico would happen twice in less than a week, but no one say the results of the most anticipated clash in the Spanish La Liga, and in most part of the world coming. Barcelona lost for the second time in less than a week to rivals Real Madrid in an encounter that may have no significant effect on Barca’s position at the top of the table, but the loss sure hurt their pride as a team.
Mourinho rested key players Xabi Alonso, Di Maria, Ozil, and Ronaldo for the 2nd leg of the Champions League knock out stage at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Despite their absence, Madrid opened the score early with Karim Benzema just having to tap in the ball from a Morata cross.
Messi drew his team level at 16th after Benzema’s 6th minute opener, but the best team in the world remained a shadow of itself throughout much of the game.
Jose Mourinho sent in his talisman to join the onslaught at the 60th minute, and his introduction added to the woes of Barcelona who struggled to deal with the forward. He had shots saved, won free-kicks, and did everything right. His effort and that of his teammates was rewarded at the 82nd when Sergio Ramos headed in Madrid’s winner from Modric’s corner kick.
The game ended in a lot of drama after the referee waved off a penalty appeal for Adriano who seemed to have been tripped inside the Madrid 18-yard box. Iniesta’s reaction got him a booking and further reactions from the Barcelona goalkeeper who saved Barca more blushes than they had got him sent off. No one seemed to hear when the final whistle was blown as the players left the field without really jubilating as if the match had ended in a stalemate.
Barcelona has now lost three consecutive matches to top oppositions. Fans have called for an overhaul of the team, technical team inclusive.
Real Madrid have nothing to celebrate than beating their bitter rivals back to back as today’s three points have little effect on where they will finish at the end of the season, the best they can achieve as it seems now is finishing second ahead of Atletico Madrid. Madrid will therefore focus on their next challenge as they keep a date with fate at the theatre of dreams on Tuesday.
