Everyone was waiting to see another fairy tale in the Arabian Nights. Jeddah’s King Abdullah Stadium also completed royal preparations. Real Madrid-Barcelona match in El Clasico! For such a match, football-romantics are waiting for the calendar throughout the year, which will open all the doors of thrill and madness.
Before these matches, there is a prayer, whatever the result, the game should be breathless. The match brings a wonderful gift. Something like this was waiting to be seen in the Spanish Super Cup final last night. But who knew, like the Clasico of Bernabeu, Jeddah will be seen in another one-sided match of 5-2 goals. Real Madrid will once again surrender helplessly. That too to Barca of 10.
In October last year, Barca left Real in the highline defense in the Bernabeu’s El Clasico. Yesterday, however, there was no need for such an over-risky strategy. When the opponent leaves their defense at home, it seems that they do not think so much about their defense! It was clear within 5 minutes of the match that there was no defense between Barca’s attack and Thibaut Courtaya. In the meantime, Real goalkeeper Thibaut Kourtoya has to make two miraculous saves.
Taking advantage of this invisible defense of Real, Barca somehow jumped with all the power. In this opportunity, Kylian Mbappe gave Real the lead at the beginning. But the lead that Real could not hold, it was fairly clear in their game. There was literally nothing to say about Real’s defense last night. As a result, Barca did not compromise on their strategy, accepting all the risks of scoring goals from the counter-attack. Hansi Flick’s confident strategy ended the match in the first half.
In addition to implementing their strategy, Barca has shown great munshiana in ruining the opponent’s game. Whenever the ball went to Real’s feet, multiple players went ahead and narrowed the space and closed the dangerous passing lines. As a result, Madrid’s club has repeatedly lost its way with random passes. And due to Barca’s pressing, Real has failed to create attacks from below.
Courtois had to rely on the long ball most of the time. But there were also setbacks. Real’s long balls have often gone to Barca, from where they have the opportunity to go on a new attack. On the other hand, as the match progressed, Real’s attacks lost momentum, the attacking players also lost edge.
In the end, Real could not find any way back to the match. After falling behind 4-1 in the first half, however, the road back was already closed.
Real’s defensive debacle, however, did not happen only in yesterday’s match. The team has consistently messed up the defense throughout the season. The absence of Dani Carvajal has opened the door to the team’s defense. In the big match and in front of the strong attack, Real’s defense has been seen to collapse in a moment.
At the beginning of the year, however, this rate has brought a big warning for Real. This match is also showing Real where to improve to survive in the league and Champions League. After the match, Real midfielder Luka Modric said, “If we are given a choice, we want to lose any final. But we will choose this match. ’
Modric’s words may be comforting. But the reality is that this match is like a mirror for Real. It would be wise to look at this mirror and quickly correct your mistakes. Otherwise, the days ahead may come with greater danger.