Madrid go back top after beating Barca in 'El Clasico'

The 'Merengues' return to the top of La Liga. In a very important 'Clasico', Ancelotti's team managed to take the three points thanks to goals from Valverde, Benzema and Rodrygo.

During the first half Real Madrid managed to create more chances than the 'Cules'. Although at times Xavi's team managed to put Ancelotti's team in trouble, they were unable to score a goal. 

Just 12 minutes into the match, 'Los Blancos' took the lead. Kroos drove the ball forward and before he was fouled found Vinicius with space on the right flank. The Brazilian, once inside the box, shot but Ter Stegen managed to save. However, Benzema made the most of the rebound and, without the German in goal, pushed the ball into the net.

The Catalan giants came close to equalising soon after. Pedri received on the edge of the box and found Raphinha inside the area. The Brazilian squared the ball to the long post but Lewandowski's effort, who only had to push the ball into the net, went over Lunin's goal.

Real Madrid punished Barça in the 35th minute for the chance they had missed. After Kounde's clearance ended up favouring Vinicius, Mendy received the ball on the left flank. The French full-back fed Valverde, who, from the edge of the box, unleashed a powerful shot at the near post to beat Ter Stegen and extend the lead for Ancelotti's side.

However, Barcelona did not throw in the towel. Just when it looked like Real Madrid were going to finish the game without suffering, the Catalan club pulled one back in the 83rd minute. After a great play by Ansu Fati on the left flank, the Spaniard squared the ball to the far post, where Ferran Torres pushed the ball into the net

Rodrygo ended Barça's hopes after scoring a stoppage-time penalty for Real Madrid.

 

October 16, 2022