Barcelona dismantled Real Madrid 4-0 in Saturday's highly anticipated La Liga Clasico, leaving fans and pundits reeling.
Despite their recent resurgence under coach Hansi Flick and the high expectations surrounding Kylian Mbappe's debut, Los Blancos were unable to find their rhythm.
Real Madrid, the reigning Spanish and European champions, came into the match with confidence after a remarkable 42-match unbeaten streak in the league and a dominant 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. The signing of French superstar Mbappe was expected to elevate their attacking prowess, particularly against Barcelona’s high defensive line.
However, the match took a turn as Barcelona expertly executed an offside trap, repeatedly catching Mbappe off guard. The first half saw a resilient Madrid side, but they faltered after halftime when Robert Lewandowski scored twice, followed by goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, sealing the emphatic win for the Catalans.
The loss has sent shockwaves through Madrid, prompting questions about the team's future. Mbappe, who had two goals disallowed for offside, expressed visible frustration and has struggled to find his place within the squad, netting only six league goals compared to Lewandowski’s impressive tally of 14.
Despite the defeat, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti urged his team not to despair. "We don't have to throw everything in the bin," he stated, emphasizing the need for resilience and learning from the experience. The team will need to regroup quickly to avoid letting Barcelona pull away in the title race.
With inconsistencies in their midfield and a tactical reshuffle to accommodate Mbappe, Ancelotti faces crucial decisions ahead. As the season progresses, Madrid must find a way to regain their form and reclaim their status as title contenders.
