There were times where it looked like Real would match their worst ever defeat at home – a 85-year-old record, which Athletic Bilbao inflicted on them – before Barca huddled mid-pitch to celebrate their win after the game.
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The win was Barcelona‘s biggest without conceding in Madrid since 1974, when they won 5-0 with Johan Cruyff among the scorers.
Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez insisted he was not anxious about losing his job after watching his side humiliated by arch-rivals FC Barcelona on their home turf. Real Madrid were as white as their kit with fear as Messi stood on the sidelines, waiting to be thrown into the fray.
Real Madrid’s Isco – who replaced James – was shown a straight red card for a lunging hack on Neymar five minutes from time.
Security around the stadium has been ramped up to what officials have said is unprecedented levels following last week’s attacks in Paris.
Barcelona now lead the Spanish league with 30 points while Real Madrid follow in second place with 24 points. The goal was allowed even though Suarez appeared to be offside. He played for Real Madrid in Clasicos and he played for Barcelona in them too, so Luis Enrique knows the importance to both clubs of this fixture.
Madrid responded swiftly, Bravo beating away Ronaldo’s cross after a few fine interplay between the reunited front three of the Portuguese, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
Neymar returned the favor to Iniesta shortly after the start of the second half.
The fact that Barca kept star-player Messi, who was making his first appearance due to injury in since September, on the bench until the 56th minute made the utterly dominant nature of its performance all the more remarkable.
“This game will go down in history, it will be remembered by all Barcelona fans”. He used the outside of his right foot to quickly fire a firm low shot into the far corner, giving no chance to Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Neymar doubled their lead after 38 minutes following an exchange of passes with Suarez and had it not been for Marcelo’s block on the goal line Suarez would have made it 3-0 with the last kick of the half. Neymar took a pass at the top of the box, applied one of the cheekiest one-touch backheels you’ll ever see to find Iniesta running against the grain of the defenders. Track the run of Iniesta to receive the ball off a clever flick from Neymar before drilling it into the net.
“A glorious and memorable victory over our eternal rivals, who chase the same trophies”, said Barcelona coach Enrique.
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Madrid was at full strength only for the second time this season. Benitez started with playmaker Rodriguez instead of defensive midfielder Casemiro, giving the team a more offensive setup, but the hosts were not able to threaten to the disappointment of the fans that packed the Bernabeu.
