This Saturday's duel between Real Madrid and Barcelona was absolutely spectacular-but not for Los Blancos fans. The 4-0 score at Santiago Bernabéu during LaLiga's 11th round was such a strong blow to the squad of Carlo Ancelotti and a party for the Culés, who for two years had not won away from their host rivals.
Blaugrana Domination: More Than Tactics
It was evident since the first whistle that Barcelona was willing to take risks. And they got their reward. Hansi Flick, the Culés' coach, went with a high press to jam Real Madrid's buildup and make it hard for the Blancos to get into rhythm. Even so, the beginning was quite balanced, with both teams creating chances. Real tried to strike back with speed, especially through Mbappé's runs, but he kept hitting a wall named Iñaki Peña.
Barcelona's game, symbolized by its renowned passing game, didn't struggle at all at the beginning of the home team's pressure. He had a great chance in the 20th minute, though Raphinha chose to shoot when he should have passed, flying over the bar. On the visitors' side, Camavinga tried to orchestrate the pace of the game, while Mbappé did find the net but saw his goal avoided due to the raised offside flag.
Efficiency First: Lewandowski shines
But the second half did bring a turning point, and it has a name: Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward showed why he still remains one of the most dangerous attackers in the world. First, he capitalized on a well-driven free kick to put Barça ahead. Then came the second strike, which was a perfect cross by Balde, met by Lewandowski's perfect header as he found himself doubling the lead. Lunin didn't even have time to react.
Real Madrid tried to respond, and Ancelotti brought Modric on in an attempt to give more stability to the midfield. But it was Barça's night, especially that of the outstanding Iñaki Peña, who denied several efforts to Mbappé with important saves. The French forward continued to look for gaps, but with every try, Barcelona's defense closed up a little tighter.
Real Madrid In Check: Struggles In Front Of Goal
Perhaps the greatest concern for the Madrid outfit was that they continued to not capitalise on those chances that came their way. Their primary man up front, Mbappé, was stuck in some sort of "no man's land," being flagged offside a record six times in the first half or marshaled out by the opposing defense. This inability to break through the Barça backline would prove to be one of the defining factors of the match.
Real Madrid had moments of pressure, but a lack of precision in front of the goal and a stellar performance by Iñaki Peña closed the game once and for all for Ancelotti's men.
The Raphinha And Yamal Show: Closing The Rout
Until the last few minutes, Barcelona sought to capitalize on chances to seal a win. Then, Raphinha and Yamal were the stars. First, he took a touch through the middle and laid the assist for the third by Yamal. A few minutes later, Raphinha received a through ball and left Lucas Vázquez in his wake, coolly chipping it over Lunin to seal the 4-0 scoreline.
That emphatic victory in the Bernabéu not only secured the three points but sent a blunt message: Barcelona is back in the title race and is not scared of challenges, not even when those challenges involve visiting the home of their greatest rival.