Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski turned in a commanding performance, scoring twice in three minutes to lead La Liga leaders Barcelona to a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the highly anticipated El Clasico. With this victory at the Bernabeu, Barcelona extended their lead to six points over Real Madrid and dealt a blow to their rivals’ ambitions of matching a historic unbeaten record in the league.
Real Madrid entered the match hoping to equal Barcelona’s unbeaten league record of 43 games, a streak the Catalan club set between April 2017 and May 2018. However, their hopes crumbled under Barcelona’s powerful second-half showing. “It’s a tough moment when you lose, especially after such a long unbeaten run,” said Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledging the challenges his team faced.
Lewandowski’s Second-Half Brilliance Breaks the Deadlock
After a closely contested goalless first half, Lewandowski wasted no time in breaking the deadlock early in the second half. In the 54th minute, he capitalized on a precise through ball from Marc Casado, expertly slotting it into the net. Just moments later, Lewandowski struck again, this time heading Alejandro Balde’s cross into the right corner, stunning the Bernabeu crowd.
The Polish striker came close to a hat-trick with two more attempts — one of which hit the woodwork — but his brace was enough to send a message. Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal then added a spectacular third goal with a powerful angled shot, making him the youngest-ever scorer in an El Clasico. The victory was sealed when Raphinha lobbed a late goal past Madrid’s defense, marking his first goal against Real Madrid.
A Blend of Youth and Experience Drives Barcelona’s Title Campaign
Barcelona’s team this season is a carefully curated mix of youthful talent and veteran experience, spearheaded by the 36-year-old Lewandowski. Barcelona, who finished 10 points behind Real Madrid last season, have shifted their strategy to incorporate emerging players like Yamal, Casado, and Balde, all products of the club’s famed La Masia academy.
Under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona has achieved an impressive record with 10 wins and only one loss so far. The seasoned Lewandowski has been instrumental, scoring 14 goals in just 11 league games, demonstrating age-defying form as he guides the younger players on the pitch. Flick’s tactical approach, including a high defensive line, was also crucial in neutralizing Real Madrid’s offense, leaving their opponents repeatedly offside.
Mbappe’s Frustrating First Clasico Ends in Defeat
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, endured a challenging first El Clasico. Known for his electrifying pace and clinical finishing, Mbappe found himself repeatedly caught offside as he tried to breach Barcelona’s high defensive line. Despite his previous success against Barcelona, notably scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 Champions League victory in 2021, he struggled to replicate that form.
In addition to two disallowed goals, Mbappe was denied by Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena on several occasions. By his standards, his start in La Liga has been modest, with six goals to date, and this match saw him falling short of his usual brilliance. Fellow star Jude Bellingham, also in search of his first goal this season, added to Real Madrid’s frustration as Barcelona’s disciplined defense kept the hosts at bay.
Ancelotti’s Reflections on Real Madrid’s Missed Opportunities
After the match, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on his team’s performance and the tactical missteps that led to their undoing. “We played the first half with intensity and could have scored, but we lacked accuracy,” he remarked, highlighting their missed chances. He credited Barcelona’s back-to-back goals with shifting momentum, admitting that they drained Madrid’s energy.
The loss was compounded by Real Madrid’s increased defensive risks late in the game, which left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Ancelotti acknowledged the strengths of Barcelona’s younger players and the impact of Lewandowski’s leadership, noting that the visitors’ blend of experience and youthful vigor proved too much to handle. “For 60 minutes, we competed well,” he added, expressing hope for Madrid’s recovery in the coming weeks.
