Real Madrid versus Barcelona. Franco’s favorites versus the Catalan nationalists. Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Ramos—the top players in the world on display. There is a certain glamour and mystique surrounding El Clásico matches, with all their storylines and political and cultural underpinnings.
Although the aura has been somewhat diminished by the fact that Real Madrid and Barcelona have met an average of 4.5 times per year the last four years between all competitions, the first clash of the season between the Spanish soccer giants last Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid felt electric and fresh.
While many of the familiar faces were there, the pre-match focus was on the debutants, specifically one Uruguayan fresh off a four-month suspension: Luis Suárez. Bought during the summer transfer window from Liverpool for a massive €81 million fee, the new Barcelona man completed a suspension for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in the World Cup (his third ban for on-field cannibalism) just in time to make his Barcelona and El Clásico debut Saturday. Colombian wunderkind James Rodríguez, brought to Real from Monaco in July, also made his Clásico debut, as did Ivan Rakitic and World Cup winner Toni Kroos.
Billed by British paper the Telegraph as the “first ever €1 billion football match,” referring to the massive combined market value of the two squads, this iteration of Barcelona v. Madrid did not disappoint. Barcelona commanded the early chances, as Suárez found Neymar, who slotted Barca ahead in the fourth minute. Messi missed just wide on a feed from Suárez minutes later, surprising in that it was a chance the soccer world has become accustomed to seeing the little genius put away.
Madrid charged back with an intensity befitting of the reigning European Champions. Marcelo’s marauding run down the flank and subsequent cross won Madrid a penalty just before half, as a sliding Gerard Piqué blocked the cross with his hand.
Ronaldo, cool as ever, converted the penalty to send the teams level into the half. Madrid found themselves ahead five minutes into the second frame, as Pepe headed home a corner. Karim Benzema effectively iced the match and started the celebrations around the Bernabéu soon after, finishing off the Madrid counterattack sprung as Isco picked Andres Iniesta’s pocket at the midline.
Even with the world’s most expensive footballer in Gareth Bale injured, Madrid showed more than enough class to dispatch their biggest rivals. After going down early, Madrid outran and outwilled Barca, illustrated best by the vicious counter leading to the third goal. New man James Rodríguez was stellar playing in his preferred wing position because of the Bale injury, making darting runs and assisting on the Benzema goal. Luka Modrić and Kroos controlled the match from the central midfield, and Isco showed great promise.
Barcelona, for their early chances, were thoroughly outplayed the rest of the match. Messi seemed to come back down to earth after his strong start to the season, although some reports out of Spain indicate he was injured for the match. Barca’s central defense was bad form, with Pique’s poor play leading to a penalty.
Their flawed set piece marking leading to Pepe’s goal. Manager Luis Enrique also made some questionable decisions, choosing to start the grizzled Xavi over the new man Rakitic, who had been La Liga’s statistically best passer to that point. Xavi made it 59 relatively pedestrian minutes before ultimately being replaced by Rakitic. Additionally, Suárez probably would’ve been best utilized off the bench, as he was not match fit, and despite his assist, looked out of touch with his new teammates.
Barcelona-Real Madrid matches are always great affairs, and this one was no different. The two teams feature a wealth of attacking talent and utilized that to put on a display in offensive soccer. Adding to the excitement of world-class talent playing an aesthetically pleasing brand of soccer was the anticipation of the first such match of the season.
The next Clásico will almost undoubtedly be more exciting, as Suárez clicks into his new team, Bale returns from injury, and the two squads find their form and identity. The English Premier League may well be the best league in the world week in and week out, but there is something special about Madrid v. Barca. The storylines that surround these matches, the drama that comes with the big names, and the excitement of watching the world’s best battle it out in sports’ most storied rivalry make El Clásico a joy unmatched in soccer.