Barcelona increased their lead over their over Real Madrid in La Liga too six points after beating Los Blancos in a very intense Clasico. Neymar drove Madrid’s defence crazy and gave Barca the lead.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were superior in the second half and they should have been awarded a penalty, but Alexis finally sealed the hosts victory with a superb goal in a counter-attack.
Ancelotti surprised everyone lining-up Sergio Ramos as centre-half and Ronaldo as striker, leaving Karim Benzema in the bench and Alvaro Morata out of the squad.
The unexpected test seemed to work at the beginning, as Barcelona was unable to reach the area. The Azulgranas most dangerous player was Neymar, who constantly put Daniel Carvajal in trouble. The Spanish full-back lacked some help from Angel di Maria and Sami Khedira.
Despite the lack of chances for Barcelona, Real barely managed to get out of their own half. Neymar kept on stressing Carvajal and he finally put the hosts in front after receiving a pass from Iniesta. The Brazilian’s shot deflected off Raphael Varane’s hand and ended up in the back of the net.
Los Merengues seemed to get going after the goal, but their offensive effort was about to allow Barca score the second in a counter-attack. The Argentinian broke the Madrid offside but send a strike wide off the post.
Real took control off the game, and Khedira could have equalised just before half-time. Ronaldo sent a cross into the box and the German international slided a close-range strike. Valdes saved it and the ball hit Adriano’s hand, but the referee didn’t concede the penalty.
Los Blancos played more aggressively since the first minute of the second half and they soon took control of the game. Especially after Asier Illarramendi came on for Sergio Ramos, making Real stronger in the midfield.
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