5 things we learnt from El Clasico

It was the 7th of 2011 but we can still learn a lot from 90 breath-taking minutes.

1. Messi is better than Cristiano

Once again Messi proved he is on course for a hat-trick of Ballon d’Or’s this January. Real gave him an inch and he took a mile slid a perfect pass to Alexis (who still had a lot to do) to score a stunning equaliser. Messi didn’t have his most spectacular game, Iniesta was probably the best player on the pitch, but, Messi’s influence in big games is unwavering. Cristiano on the other-hand had a bit of a disaster, no matter how hard he puffed his chest out he couldn’t make a positive impact on the game. He missed two crucial chances one, a skewed shot when a simple pass to Di Maria was a much better option when it was 1-0. The second was even more uncharacteristic; a free header that went harmlessly wide from an inch perfect ball from Alonso when Madrid were trailing 2-1. Catalan dialy Sport declared that “We’ll have to expand the dictionary to find new adjectives for him, because majestic, lethal, magic, incomparable and divine have all been used up”. Messi was far from his best against Real but he was far better than Cristiano.

2. Alexis can take over from Villa (for now)

Alexis has yet to win over all of the Barca fans and was something of a scapegoat in the recent 1-0 defeat against Getafe, but Barcelona certainly missed him when he was injured and produced a series of mediocare performances especially away from home during his absence. His fiery temper infuriated the Blanco’s defence as much as his quick diagonal runs did. He is currently in a rich vein of form after making 4 consecutive starts scoring 4 goals and with Villa showing little of his undoubted quality recently Alexis can step up and take his position as Barca’s second deadliest forward.

3. Playing Barcelona is exhausting

It’s been said numerous times that the tiki-taka style of Barcelona is as effective defensively as it is  offensively. Barcelona had 62% possession and by the hour mark Real Madrid had ran out of energy and ideas, the same thing happened to Manchester United in the Champions League final earlier this year. Even with Madrid’s impressive squad depth they couldn’t keep the ball long enough to cause serious damage. Real made attacking substitutions, Barca brought on Keita to counter their advances and made changes up front to keep things fresh. Even though Barca had a two goal lead at one point they were playing 4 upfront playing a sort of 4-2-4 just like Brazil of 1970.

    Barcelona celebrate their third goal

4. Mourinho doesn’t know his strongest XI yet

There was a lot of talk as to who would play at right-back Lass or Coentrao, rather surprisingly it was the Portuguese winger who stepped in for the injured Arbeloa. It was the first time this season that Coentrao had played in this position as he has normally been station in his natural left-wing back role or as a covering midfielder. Perhaps he would have been better suited at the left side of the midfield 3 so he could help out Marcelo with the maurding Alves. When Barcelona are in the ascendency they look to play the ball in behind the opposition left back for Alves to run on to, Barcelona’s third goal is an example of this. There was no starting place for Sami Khaderia who played a more advanced role when Mourinho outwitted Unai Emery at the Mestalla. In the game against Valencia Khaderia played a typical box-to-box midfield role and his energy was missed in the clasico, he was probably over-looked because he can often be found wanting in goal scoring opportunities. Ozil who has had a good season put in a drab performance and with Kaka coming back to full fitness and regaining some form could he prove to be another selection headache for Jose? Perhaps the biggest decision is who to play up front; Benzema or Higuain? Former priminister candidate Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba described as choosing between your mother or father in an interview with Spanish sports paper AS. Benzema is more of a team player whilst Higuain is more of natural goal scorer. Mourinho was rewarded after 21 seconds with his selection when Benzema took his chance well, it was to be his only chance of the game, would Higuain have been able to create more for himself? Who knows.

5. The league is not over

Barcelona are top on the head to head rule bue Real have a game in hand against Sevilla. The league then breaks until the 8^th of January by then Real could have a 3 point lead and Barcelona are away in the Catalan derby. El Clasico does not decide the league it’s games against the other 18 teams that do Barcelona have dropped points at Valencia, Getafe, Sociedad, Bilbao and at home to Sevilla. If Barcelona were to win both Clasico’s and not win the league it would expose the frailties of the league.  

It was more of a lesson in football than a match, many thought it would be a tight affair but even with Barcelona giving Madrid a one - nil headstart they couldn't build on it. Barcelona proved the doubters wrong in some style too.