Mediocrity Setting In At Barca As Clasico Leaves Them Adrift In La Liga
Muhammad Rameez Published October 25, 2021 | 02:34 PM
The biggest worry perhaps for Barcelona at the end of another Clasico defeat at Camp Nou on Sunday was that Real Madrid hardly even celebrated
Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Oct, 2021 ) :The biggest worry perhaps for Barcelona at the end of another Clasico defeat at Camp Nou on Sunday was that Real Madrid hardly even celebrated.
This was a victory that sent Madrid five points clear of their opponents, a healthy gap even at this early stage of a La Liga season that has 29 games to go.
It was Madrid's fourth consecutive Clasico victory, the first time that has happened in 56 years, and it left Barca sitting eighth at full-time, ninth by the end of the weekend.
There were things to admire in Barcelona's performance. They had more of the ball, more shots and might have managed a draw if Sergino Dest had shown a cooler head in front of goal.
They could certainly not be faulted for effort or ambition, with a team that had four players aged 20 or younger, including Gavi, who at 17 was Barca's youngest starter in this fixture for 80 years.
Barca fought hard and, within their own limitations, they played well.
"We continued to dominate the ball but it was difficult for us to create clear chances," said Sergio Busquets.
"They scored that goal in the first half and made it count. It was a pity, because we tried but it wasn't to be." Real Madrid though were the better team, not more dominant perhaps, but more threatening, more solid and more diligent in following a clearer plan.
They counter-attacked at speed and created more chances. If Sergio Aguero had not scored in the 97th minute, a 2-0 away win would have been a fair reflection.
Just as Atletico Madrid strolled to a 2-0 victory at the Wanda Metropolitano before the international break, for one of their most comfortable wins over Barcelona in years.
"We played a great team, we have suffered but we were able to cope," said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
A pattern has developed that when Barca face an elite opponent, they are found wanting.
Since Koeman took over, his team have played six games against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid and have lost five and drawn one of them.
Against Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League last 16, Barcelona lost 5-2 on aggregate.
This season, they have been thrashed 3-0 by both Bayern Munich and Benfica.
Since beating Real Sociedad on the opening day of the season, Barcelona's four wins have come against Getafe, Levante, Valencia and Dynamo Kiev, all at home.
The concern is these results are an indicator of Barcelona's level now, that key departures in the summer and mediocre replacements have led to a drop in quality that could leave them fighting to make La Liga's top four, let alone challenge for the title.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PSX achieves significant milestone, surpasses 72,000 mark
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
Finance Minister lauds UNDP’s unwavering support during floods
President Raisi leaves for Iran from Karachi
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 24 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 24 April 2024
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
More Stories From Sports
-
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
2 hours ago -
'Serious talent' Fraser-McGurk bonds with Warner to light up IPL
3 hours ago -
Rashid Latif for arranging Pakhtunkhwa Super League
14 hours ago -
Shadab Khan upbeat about lifting ICC T20I WC 2024
17 hours ago -
Ruben Amorim: Portugal's next coaching superstar, tipped for Liverpool
20 hours ago -
Sports Complex of FDA City opened for its members
20 hours ago
-
VC IUB inaugurates Intervarsity Judo Championship
21 hours ago -
Australian Open Junior Squash medalists warmly welcome on arrival Peshawar
21 hours ago -
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
22 hours ago -
Mardan, Peshawar wins Girls, Boys titles in Prime Minister Youth Talent Hunt Table Tennis League
22 hours ago -
Bismah, Sadia, Hani progress in ICC Women’s Rankings
23 hours ago -
Central Asian Volleyball League in Islamabad next month
23 hours ago