5 things Barcelona learned from El Clasico

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Neymar Jr. of FC Barcelona reacts during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou stadium on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Neymar Jr. of FC Barcelona reacts during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou stadium on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 03: Manager of Barcelona, Luis Enrique holds the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 03: Manager of Barcelona, Luis Enrique holds the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

5. Enrique needs a plan b

It has been said before and it will be said again, but the Clasico was a prime example of Barcelona’s over-reliance on their attackers coming back to haunt them.

Usually, putting all their faith in Messi, Suarez and Neymar works out well because they score the goals to win the game. On Saturday, Messi and Neymar missed big chances to win the game. Had they taken them, the entire season’s outlook could now be different.

More from FC Barcelona

As mentioned before, the likes of Arda Turan, Andre Gomes and even Paco Alcacer have been criticised for their poor performances at times this season. But they are not playing in a system which gives them any freedom to play their natural games, because the team’s energy is all focussed on supplying the MSN.

The best teams have more than one dimension. Barcelona have been criticised for not having another in the past, but their ability to win with their original tactics holds back the doubters. This Real Madrid side is growing, though, and to keep up with them, perhaps Enrique should conjure something else up.