The first El Clasico of the 2025/26 season was always going to be an exciting one between the two top teams in the division.
Despite their injury problems, Barcelona were only two points behind Real Madrid
at the start of proceedings, and if they were able to play as well as in last season’s matches against the eternal rival, there was every chance of topping the table at the expense of Los Blancos.
Rashford to the fore again
Whether or not one considers that Marcus Rashford has only played as much this season because of injuries to other players is a moot point.
For a player that was ridiculed in his final days at Manchester United, the England international has more than paid rent for his place in the team.
A fifth La Liga assist this season, to Fermin, evidences a player at the top of his game, and one who is becoming vitally important for his teammates and Hansi Flick.
His pace, power and desire have shone through this season and he’s been a real, and perhaps unexpected, bonus for the team.
And with Raphinha set to potentially miss another few weeks, Barca will need Rashford to keep on supplying goals and assists for the team.
Still problems with the high line
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Barca’s high line this season has been pathetic at times, and it certainly was once again at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Aside from the goals conceded, there were far too many instances where the likes of Jules Kounde in particular was caught rocking on his heels.
The opponent in many respects isn’t important, given that the failures of the back four over the course of the campaign already in this regard clearly hadn’t been addressed.
If the defence are unable to move as one effectively, then surely Flick has to consider alternative strategies or changing the make up of the back line.
Lamine unable to back up the bravado
As soon as Lamine Yamal’s pre-match words made it into the consciousness of every Real Madrid fan and player, the youngster had to know he would need to back it up with a match-winning performance.
Whistles and boos from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful were inevitable, and he certainly appeared to suffer by not having Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski beside him.
That’s as maybe, because he still didn’t cover himself in glory. At the end of the 90 minutes, his 79.2% pass completion was the worst on show of those players having started the game.
Losing possession on 20 separate occasions was also the worst showing of any player on either side, and Sunday’s match will perhaps serve as a reminder of how far he still has to go in the game.
