El Clásico Recap: "And Then There Was Blood.."

I did not know what to expect going into El Clásico other than a full on blood bath between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.  For those who do not know the nature of this match, it certainly is more than pitting the two most successful and influential football clubs in Spain, in the world.  Their rivalry reflects to what many regard as the tensions felt between Catalans and the Castilians – a re-enactment, of sorts, of the Spanish Civil War.  Pretty, pretty deep stuff.  Around this time last year, L'equip Blaugrana humiliatingly defeated Los Blancos, a fact that this writer – to this day – cannot accept, considering it was the second time they lost on her birthday.  I prayed and prayed that Madrid would win against Barcelona, that Gonzalo Higuain's birthday would be far luckier than my own...

Real Madrid opened the game with a brilliant goal from Karim Benzema 28 seconds into the match.  The French striker placed a right-footed shot from a very close range to the high center of the goal, sending the ball past Victor Valdes.  As record has it, Benzema scored the fastest goal in the history of El Clásico.  Felicidades, Karim!  Los Blancos pressed hard throughout the 1^st half and forced Barça into making more errors, particularly on Valdes's part, but effort did not translate into more goals.  Benzema was close with scoring Madrid's second with a header, but the attempt was saved.  Cristiano Ronaldo was also close to scoring with a long shot, but the shot went wide.

The match went on a lightning fast pace, Barcelona not looking likely into netting an equalizer.  However, that came to change at the 30' minute mark when Alexis Sanchez took a shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner, Lionel Messi with the assist.  Barça equalized.  Tensions raised on the pitch, resulting in poorly timed challenges and nasty fouls.  Much to the shock of Madridistas – and some Culés – Barcelona's Dani Alves was not booked for his foul on Xabi Alonso.  This resulted in the first clash between Madrid and Barcelona players.  I was certain it would rain yellows, but, again, I was shocked to see only one booking.  I say shocked because it was to Messi for dissent.

 

The Argentine would have and should have received another yellow for an awful challenge on Xabi Alonso.  However, the referee David Fernández Borbalán did not issue the card.  Had Messi received the yellow, it would have been his second in the evening, forcing a red that would have him sent off.  Madridistas everywhere began spouting conspiracy theories and, perhaps, they weren't unfounded.

After descanso, the Bernabéu saw a different Barça than that in the first half.  Manager Pep Guardiola must have had some choice words for his men.  His team took control of the match and was fortunate to press forward.  Xavi hit the ball outside the box, which did not seem so dangerous at first.  However, as it turned out, that goalpost became an honorary member of L'equip Blaugrana as it sent the ball into the goal at the 52' minute mark.  This forced Madrid to make a comeback with their rivals leading by one point.

Los Blancos then shifted their strategy on attacking as opposed to defending, leaving their goal wide open – vulnerable to Barcelona's counterattacks.  Mourinho made his first substitution of the evening at the 59' minute mark, Kaká on for Mesut Özil.  The Brazilian midfielder partnered up with Cristiano at the 60', close to netting an equalizer.  At the 64', Cristiano had a golden opportunity of leveling, but narrowly missed with a header, five yards out after a great cross from Xabi Alonso.

Fate then showed it's cruel side, with another goal for Barcelona minutes later at the 64'.  Cesc Fabregas showed Cristiano how a header was done as Dani Alves crossed the ball, the score now 1-3.  Culés rejoiced.  Madridistas screamed in agony, one being this writer.  The remaining minutes for me were spent hyperventilating and attempting to stay calm, even as Barcelona continued their relentless attack.  Although, there was a breath of home as Kaká nearly came to Madrid's rescue, but Valdes tipped the ball away with a great save.  Hope dashed, even with the three minutes of added time.

Having won this match, Barça closed the gap on the tables, both teams now co-leaders of La Liga.  Los Blancos, however, have played one less match than Barcelona and has a chance on being the sole leader by either winning or drawing against Sevilla next week.  The men now prepare for Tuesday's Copa del Rey match against Ponferradina.  Hasta el final... Vamos Real!  ¡Hala Madrid!  Por siempre, para siempre.

written by Gail Hidalgo