Barcelona achieved an impressive 4-3 victory against Real Madrid in the classic of day 35 of the League, in a match full of emotion and unexpected twists. Despite losing 2-0 in the first half, the Xavi Hernández team managed to overcome and ended with a result that leaves the fight for the title of the League practically resolved. With this victory, Barcelona moves away to seven points from Real Madrid, when there are only three days left for the end of the season.
The game was a true roller coaster for both teams. Real Madrid began strong, quickly advancing on the scoreboard with two goals that put Barcelona against the ropes. However, the Catalan team showed its character and quality, achieving a spectacular comeback in the second half. With four goals in the last 45 minutes, Barcelona got a triumph that could be decisive in the race for the championship.
Before the game, the coaches of both teams, Hansi Flick for Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid, offered statements about the importance of the classic and their tactical plans.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach, spoke about the mentality of his team after the painful defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League. “We are well after the defeat against Inter. We all know it was not easy, but the team has spoken clear about what we want to show. Four games remain and the classic is crucial. Everything depends on trust. Real Madrid will do everything possible, but we don’t think about the advantage of points (4 points). The only goal is to win. That is the attitude of the entire team towards this game,” said Flick.
As for Real Madrid’s game strategy, Flick analyzed the tactical behavior of the Ancelotti team in his last match. “In the last meeting, Real Madrid defended deep in the first half and then pressed a lot in the second. They have a very strong offensive system. The next game may be similar and we have to be ready to counteract it,” added the German coach.
On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid technician, was questioned about the rumors that indicate that Xabi Alonso could be his successor in the white club, after his successful stage at the Bayer Leverkusen. Ancelotti replied: “I have read about the rumors that Alonso would leave Bayer Leverkusen, where he has done a great job. He has all open doors because he has proven to be one of the best coaches in the world.”
As for the moral of his team after the three consecutive defeats against Barcelona, Ancelotti was optimistic. “We have motivation, enthusiasm and eager to fight in this game. The entire team has confidence that we can win. The recent meetings with Barcelona have been very difficult, but the last one gave us the confidence that we can win tomorrow,” said the Italian coach.
Ancelotti also highlighted the importance of defense in this type of matches: “We must defend well because Barcelona is a team that can press any rival, not just us. We have to take advantage of their weaknesses, since no team is perfect. We will have our opportunities and the goal is to make them the most,” he said.
Despite Ancelotti’s trust in his team, Real Madrid could not resist the fierce offensive of Barcelona. Barcelona’s victory not only leaves the Catalans with a considerable advantage in the table, but also marks a new stage in the fight for the title, with Barcelona consolidating their leadership.
The League classic has always been an unmissable show, and this game was no exception. The goals of Barcelona, led by a brilliant performance of its key players, were the reflection of a team that, despite the challenges, continues to struggle to achieve its goals. On the other hand, Real Madrid, although it fought until the end, failed to find the formula to stop a Barcelona inspired and full of confidence.
With today’s victory, Barcelona approaches more than ever to the conquest of the League title, while Real Madrid, despite the efforts of his coach and players, sees how his chances of snatching the championship are considerably reduced. Now, the next matches will be crucial for both teams, but Barcelona has the advantage and high moral to move forward in its search for the title.
