Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Barcelona in El Clasico to move to the top of the La Liga table.
David Alaba put the visitors ahead with a brilliant strike around the half-hour mark after a productive counterattack.
Barca pushed hard to find the equaliser in the second half but their efforts went in vain.
Lucas Vazquez nearly put the game to bed by doubling the lead for Los Blancos in injury time.Not long after, Barca responded with a goal from substitute Sergio Aguero but it only proved as a consolation as Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured three points. Here are the talking points from El Clasico.
David Alaba opens his account for Real Madrid
David Alaba scored his first goal for Los Blancos today and the most impressive thing was it came against the arch-rivals Barcelona. The Austrian defender commenced the counterattack before springing forward to unleash a stunning strike past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The former Bayern Munich star was also robust in the defence, winning two out of two duels and adding to it, he was never dribbled past by a Barca player.
Barca’s sub-par performance in the attack
Barca’s struggles continued with another dismal performance against their arch-rivals Los Blancos. Madrid exploited Barca’s weakness in the transitions and that’s how they scored two goals. While in the attack, the hosts didn’t find any kind of inspiration in the final third, registering only 2 shots on target. Before Alaba’s opener, Barca had the best chance to go ahead but Sergino Dest squandered it by sending the ball over the crossbar.
Ronald Koeman is back on the receiving end
Barca manager Ronald Koeman appeared to have found some breathing space after back to back victories against Valencia and Dynamo Kyiv. But it only proved flattering to deceive as Barca ended up short against their arch-rivals today. Firstly, the defeats against Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Benfica this season showcased the Catalan giants’ lack of temperament in the big games and it was no different today. It remains to be seen what would the defeat bring on Koeman’s future as Barca manager.
