Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has analyzed El Clasico and explained how Los Blancos managed to get the better of Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick’s side slumped to their first La Liga defeat of the season and Kroos says Madrid made Barca suffer.
“I have to commend Mourinho’s work. They played excellently, and he devised a great plan. Playing with the ball against this Barça is very impressive because they suffer when they don’t have it,” he explained, per Mundo Deportivo.
“Barcelona is
the better team in terms of football because they manage to dominate more than Real Madrid, but they suffer a lot when their pressing doesn’t work.
“Real Madrid and Mourinho were incredibly brave at the Camp Nou, and that was a big difference compared to recent Clásicos. The forwards responded well. There were also periods when they defended well, like when Barça equalized.
“The Real Madrid players were well-positioned. I was surprised by Huijsen’s marking of Fermín. Barça players like Pedri and Raphinha looked uncomfortable and were forced into errors they don’t normally make.
“Madrid won almost every duel because they were more intense. Real Madrid defended as a team. They played an excellent game both defensively and with the ball.”
Barcelona sit still three points clear at the top of the table but will know a response is needed on Saturday against Alavez.
