Three takeaways from Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona | La Liga MD10 | OneFootball

Barcelona were outclassed and humbled by Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season, and the 2-1 scoreline is kind on them given the number and kind of chances they allowed the hosts on the night.

Entering the game without the likes of Joan Garcia, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski, the Catalans were at an inherent disadvantage and Real Madrid ensured to capitalise on every chance presented to them.

They not only performed with more intent in midfield but were defensively more solid and sharper in attack, while Barcelona defended in shambles, were slow through the middle, and attacked with zero intent.

In the end, goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham helped Los Blancos take all three points over Hansi Flick’s side, who had just a Fermin Lopez strike to show as consolation.

A disgraceful defence

If there is one department to begin the firing on Barcelona’s performance from, the defence presents itself as the clear favourite.

Real Madrid entered the game knowing well that Barcelona’s high defensive line is their ticket to paradise, and they began the game intentionally not pressing high, thus inviting Barcelona’s defence high.

Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia, while a decent pair in terms of distribution, failed utterly in what they were supposed to do primarily – defend. Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid punished them time and time again on the night, and the scoreline is kind on the duo.

It is indeed unfair to pin the entire blame of the defeat on two centre-backs, but the fact remains that they have been lacklustre this season and that the same continued last night.

It was not a great day at the office for Pau Cubarsi. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Every time Real Madrid got the ball, Cubarsi and Garcia were out of ideas on how to stop the break. They were sliced in half with ease and simply did not have the legs or intuition to make the right challenges.

Jules Kounde, for another, was exactly as poor as was predicted of him before kickoff. Coming off an average run across all competition, the player was continually caught napping on the right and allowed Vinicius too much space.

Barcelona’s defence, at this point, is in absolute shambles and an urgent fix is needed. Hansi Flick has to swallow his pride, for this defence will not win the team any titles this season given that they have been figured out.

Two unfit forwards

While the defence struggled to keep up with Real Madrid at one end of the field, Barcelona’s attack simply did not show any ideas on how to penetrate Los Blancos’ defence on the night.

Marcus Rashford was the only Barcelona player who looked inspired and willing to run into the box to make a difference. Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, however, were astoundingly poor.

The duo’s shockingly poor show did not seem to be merely a night off. Both players looked far from their physical best, rusty on the ball, and far from fit enough to make a difference.

Ferran, having just come off an injury hiatus, was understandably rusty in front of the goal and with his movements. Yamal, however, was expected to be fit but did not attempt any take-ons on the night and looked reluctant to participate – possibly hinting at discomfort.

Perhaps there is an element of blame on the management for not identifying the situation and making substitutions earlier, but given the lack of options on the bench, a half-fit Torres and Yamal were probably Barcelona’s best bet.

They were, however, nowhere close to the level required to take Real Madrid down.

League race heats up

Ten games into the league season and Real Madrid have taken a five-point lead over Barcelona, ironically just weeks after Barcelona took the lead back from them.

The defeat to Sevilla was enough for the Catalans to lose steam and allow Real Madrid to catch up, and last night’s result only widens that gap. 

Marcus Sorg was in charge of Barcelona in Flick’s absence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

But with over two-thirds of the season yet to go, however, it is anything but done. The first Clasico may set the tone, but it means nothing in terms of the title race.

The title race is heating up and will be closer and more tightly fought than it was last season, but Barcelona has every reason to be optimistic despite their poor run of form.

By the time the next Clasico comes around, they will hope to have their first-choice players in Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Joan Garcia back from injury and the likes of Lamine Yamal more fit and better equipped to deliver a standout performance.

The situation Barcelona entered the Clasico saw them start with a disadvantage, and while it may sound like an excuse, it is the absolute truth. 

This team is nowhere close to its best, and still has what it takes to beat Real Madrid and any top elite team when at 100%. Finding that gear, however, is on Hansi Flick and the manager must find that switch soon.