It has to have consequences. This match perfectly highlighted what Barca does right and what Real Madrid does wrong.
Advertisement
“This is a problem for Real Madrid that will not change unless the whole idea and whole philosophy changes”.
“Of course, Rafa is not the only one to blame, but it’s nearly much easier to get rid of the manager”.
Barcelona’s victory stemmed from its superiority in midfield, where Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Roberto dominated the action, thanks in large part to Real Madrid essentially ceding control of that area of the pitch to the Catalans.
“When I pick a team I try to manage the squad I have in the best way I can and the team I put out was capable of a lot more quality”.
The Barca players had simply been better on the night, Luis Enrique said. We must reflect, be together. We have made mistakes. It’s important to recover as a group.
“We wanted to attack and win back the ball high up the field but it didn’t come off”, he said.
However, in four games before picking up a calf-strain at the start of the season, Bale played in the no. 10 position. It wasn’t a question of attitude.
It’s still so, so early because we are only in November, and the league doesn’t end till May, but a gap of six points in November could prove to be pivotal when it is all said and done. The whole team were dying to get off to a good start and that’s what we did after the break. Marcelo’s chance at the beginning of the second half was a pivotal moment. The Uruguayan took his time leaving Keylor Navas guessing where the shot would go before the Uruguayan striker chipped the ball past him earning his second goal of the game and Barcelona’s 4 goal of the match. We’ve paid for our mistakes. “It hurts us a lot, to lose like this against Barcelona”. What I’m concerned about is restoring the team’s morale quickly.
Advertisement
Rafael Benitez is under mounting pressure despite only taking charge in June, with a 4-0 Clasico thrashing at home to Liga leaders Barca on Saturday casting further doubt over his future. Today we have to ask the Real Madrid fans for forgiveness for our poor performance.
