Real Madrid deserved so much more at the Camp Nou. The Whites, who played brilliantly in the second half, lost in the first Clasico of the season. Neymar, with a shot that deflected off Varane, put Barcelona ahead in a very technical first half. At 1-0 down, the referee failed to award two clear penalties: one for a handball by Adriano in the 43rd minute and another in the 70th minute for a foul by Mascherano on Cristiano Ronaldo. After the break the visitors took the match by the scruff of the neck, but the crossbar prevented a wonder-goal by Benzema and Valdés’ saves from Cristiano Ronaldo and Khedira prevented Madrid from taking any points from the clash at the Camp Nou. Alexis’ goal in the 78th minute appeared to seal the home side’s victory. However, Madrid, sticking to their philosophy, fought until the very end and Jesé halved the lead in added time.
Real Madrid headed into the first Clasico of the season with the confidence of having won their last two matches after the international break. Ancelotti played Ramos in centre midfield and Ronaldo, Bale and Di María in attack. The beginning of the match was a very tactical affair, with both sides failing to create many chances. Bale was the first to have a shot at goal with a long shot in the 15th minute. However, it was Barcelona, five minutes later, who struck first in an individual move by Neymar. The Brazilian’s shot deflected off Varane, tricking Diego López, who was unable to do anything about the shot.
Everything was going against them, but Real Madrid, who were still unbeaten away from home in an official match, summoned all their fight, pushed forward and attacked Valdés’ goal more often. In fact, from conceding the goal until after the half-hour mark, Real Madrid took control of the match and could have equalised from a shot by Bale from the edge of the area that went over in the 26th minute, and, in particular, in the first controversial move of the game. Ronaldo crossed from the left wing and Khedira’s shot from the penalty spot was just saved by Valdés on the goal line in the 43rd minute. The rebound struck Adriano’s hand and then tamely fell to the home goalkeeper.
The second half was a lot more open; both teams could have scored in the first quarter of an hour alter the break. Neymar tried to score in the 54th minute, but failed to beat Diego López in the one-on-one. Four minutes later, it was Ronaldo’s turn. Valdés’s reflexes, who pulled off a noteworthy save in the one-on-one against the Portuguese, saved Barcelona once again. From the corner, Di María struck a sweet volley from the edge of the area, but the home side’s goalkeeper grabbed the ball.
Madrid seemed destined to score soon given their possession of the ball and the chances they were creating. The appearance of Illarra and Benzema gave the team, who had done enough to at least equalise, a new lease of life. They could have equalised if the referee had punished a clear foul on Cristiano Ronaldo by Mascherano in the 70th minute. It was the second controversial moment of the match. A minute later, a spectacular shot by Benzema from the edge of the area crashed into the crossbar.
Luck was not on Real Madrid’s side, but that was not going to deter them from trying to register a goal on the scoreboard, which, from what could be witnessed on the pitch, was harsh on the away team. Just as Madrid were playing their best football, Barcelona netted their second goal. Alexis surprised Diego López with a chip in the 78th minute. However, the Whites stuck to their philosophy and fought until the very end. Jesé reduced the deficit in added time. A Clasico in which Real Madrid deserved more ended 2-1.
