The El clasico: For the first time after there was No Messi or Ronaldo in the starting lineup.

The match was so great to watch from the fans perspective. Over the years people who are used to watching Elclasico in Pep and Jose era will say that the match was a lot cleaner(without any drama).It was good to see both teams trying to play the ball rather than with each other's bodies.Although Ramos was at his naughtiest best.He was the only player who could have easily got a red card in this match also.

The Referee was good and he was in control for most of the match. But none of the team's played to their full potential.Barca ofcourse had a lot of injury concerns. Demble hasn't returned to the team yet,Messi was fit but was missing from the starting 11, Cillessen was out after recently injuring himself in training. Rest Umtiti and Rafinha are long term absentees.Real also started without Bale and injured vallejo.

Barca started the match very poorly. They conceded a goal in as early as in 6th minute with Vinicius, Benzema and Vazquez combining beautiful for the 1st goal.The possession stats were also highly in favour of Real in the starting exchanges.Real's attacks were more potent. They were using quick short passes to get past barca defense.While Barca's attack were more static and one sided(Malcom and Semedo).

Positionally also Barcelona had an absolute nightmare: Rakitic was running around in circles,Arthur didn't receive support, Suárez was isolated upfront, Coutinho gave just an average performance,Alba was looking lost and maybe his workload is taking a toll on his body.

Real Madrid pressed relentlessly from start to finish, the kind of commitment and grit Barça hasn't showed aside from a few Champions League matches this season. Real Madrid came with a plan and executed it to perfection in the 1st half. They did not let Barca to be comfortable on the ball for most of the time.

Malcom and Semedo were the best player on pitch.For sending it was incredible how he held the fort down the left where every Real Madrid attack begun and ended. Also fantastic going forward, and dare I say, had his most mature performance in Blaugrana since he signed his contract.For Malcom in the absence of Messi he got a rare start and gave a strong performance to prove his case that he needs to be given more opportunities.

The Portuguese and Brazilian were a treat to watch together and Malcom deservedly scored the only home goal, he created chances on the ball, disturbed Marcelo frequently, and helped defending too.

Vidal once again good once he came on and provided muscle in the midfield. Pique was incredible, made quite a lot of breathtaking blocks on his.With age Pique has got a lot wiser and his instincts a lot stronger.
The draw is not the best result barca could come up with in this especially considering that Real have got a crucial away goal. The schedule is getting hectic for Barca and there is all to play in the second leg at Santiago Bernebue.

Let's hope for a better match there till then,
#forcabarca

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