El Clasico ends in a draw

Pre-match confirmed line-ups saw both Messi and Bale on the bench for their teams as Vinicius Jr started for Real Madrid, and Malcom up front for Barcelona. Real Madrid drew first blood after five minutes of play with a goal from Lucas Vasquez, set up beautifully by Karim Benzema. The following 40 minutes saw a first-half of missed chances for both teams as neither could capitalise.

One chance in particular came for Barcelona after half an hour as substitute Messi stood ready to take a free-kick for the Azulgranas on the edge of the box. He lofted in a very inviting ball which Rakitic managed to reach but his header clattered the crossbar and Barcelona missed possibly their clearest chance of the game.

We went into half-time with Real Madrid one goal to the good and Barcelona looking hungry for an equaliser which came not long after the restart. After a flurry of frantic football, Malcom found himself with the ball at his feet and produced a fabulous shot to bring Barcelona level. Real Madrid introduced Gareth Bale into the mix who couldn't take advantage of Ter Stegen's hasty clearance, squandering Real Madrid's best chance of the half.

The final action of the match came in the form of a potential penalty when Lionel Messi was brought down as he tried to burst through the defence towards goal. The referee dismissed the appeals for a penalty and again, the second-half saw several chances missed for both teams, meaning the match finished in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams will be eager to clinch a win as this historic rivalry between the two huge Spanish clubs goes to a second leg.

 

February 6, 2019