Analysis About 23rd April, 2017 El' Classico Match - Madrid vs Barca

[BarcamanLv3: Senior Member]

Never underestimate FC Barcelona !!!

I was a little surprised by the immense pessimism here because it was my thought that Madrid isn't all that good and we aren't all that bad. We have been struggling for consistency but we can still rise to the occasion. Madrid on the other hand are an all round competent but over glorified team. It was high time somebody showed them their place.

Have you ever seen Modric and Kroos completely dominate top quality opposition in midfield? Xavi and Iniesta in their heydays did this day in day out.

When you have Lionel Messi you have what no one else has - the ability to perform sheer magic anywhere and at any time.

Ivan Rakitic gave a 90+ minutes tutorial on off the ball movement. Invariably at the right place at the right time. When  we see that at Barcelona for players who come without any background of the Barca system the default outcome is to fail, it becomes all the more apparent how much credit this guy deserves for taking to our system like a duck takes to water. On top of all that what a wonderful goal.

Sergio Busquets was a lion in midfield. Marc Andre Ter Stegen was excellent in goal. Great credit to Sergi Roberto for his run for the last goal.

The only part that disappointed me was that we were playing so well and were so dominant until the red card. After that we should have only taken more control but for seemingly inexplicable reasons our level dropped. It could have been all in vain but thankfully that did not happen. :)

We have reopened the title race and while we may not win the title still, we have struck a crucial hammer blow for Madrid, one that can play into their future matches not just in La Liga but also in the UCL.