FC Barcelona humiliated Real Madrid 4-0 in the La Liga El Clasico played on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored two goals as Xavi claimed a comprehensive victory.
Real Madrid were without Karim Benzema, their star man and top goalscorer. The Frenchman was instrumental in their remarkable comeback against Paris Saint Germain in the second-leg of their Round of 16 Champions League match against the Parisian side were he scored a hat-trick. Carlo Ancelotti started with Vini Junior, Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde upfront.
The match was expected to test Barca’s progress under Xavi Hernandez and they passed with a convincing victory. The Catalan giants humiliated their fiercest rivals, suggesting that they are back are ready to compete for the La Liga.
At the start of the match, Fede Valverde had an early shot parried wide by Ter Stegen. However, Barcelona settled and started dominating the game. Soon, the chances started coming for them as Ferran Torres’ pull back for Aubameyang was played straight at Thibaut Courtois, who also had to palm a curling effort from Ousmane Dembele.
In the 29th minute, Barca scored the first goal. Dembele raced round the outside of Nacho Fernandez and crossed for Aubameyang to head in.
Barcelona added a second when Ronald Araujo headed in from a corner before half-time. Within seconds of the restart, Torres was clear and had a one-on-one opportunity with Thibaut Courtois, but he shot wide.
Barcelona would triple their lead when, Aubameyang executed a superb flicked pass to Torres, who this time, made no mistake and fired past Courtois.
The fourth and final goal came from Pique’s ball over the top, which allowed Aubameyang to chip in a brilliant finish in the 51st minute. Madrid thought they were spared by the offside flag, but VAR intervened and the goal was given.
However, the result might have little bearing on the La Liga title race this season. Real Madrid are now twelve points above Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
Written by: Collins Nwokolo
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