Barcelona led through a Gerard Pique header but Madrid hit back with a spectacular Karim Benzema equaliser before Cristiano Ronaldo produced a brilliant victor. “We have to think about our next game in the Champions League (quarter-final against VfL Wolfsburg on Wednesday) and then think about getting three points in our next league game”.
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“When I see a team that’s united and all together, with everyone fighting for their team-mates and for their coach, there’s nothing better”.
“The most important thing today was to get the win and build confidence for the rest of the season”. And just before we play in the Champions League in Germany.
A night that began with a colourful homage to a legendary Barcelona player turned coach in Johan Cruyff, ended with Real Madrid’s own version of a one-time playing great in Zinedine Zidane celebrating his first big victory in management.
Madrid grew into the game as the first-half progressed and finally threatened the Barca goal when Ronaldo’s shot was beaten away by Claudio Bravo before Gareth Bale blazed a volley over from a narrow angle.
The Asturian added that he was already focused on Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at home against Atletico.
“We will fight until the end, but our next match is not a league match”.
Although the capital side still sit eight points behind their Catalan rivals, the win now means Atletico Madrid sit just six points behind Barcelona in second place.
“A player like him will always want to score, it’s always satisfying”, Ramos said.
Nevertheless, Pique sees no reason to panic as the Camp Nou side’s 39-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end, stressing they are still in good shape to win silverware this campaign.
But Real Madrid were back level seven minutes later as Toni Kroos’ pass from the wing took a deflection that lofted it high in the air, and Benzema scored from an acrobatic play. “The players know how hard any game can be, even more against an opponent who has the same objectives as you”.
We did enough damage on the counterattack with one less man.
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Barcelona’s players will wear shirts with the message “Gracies Johan” – thank you Johan – for their first match since former player and manager Johan Cruyff died of cancer aged 68.
