Barcelona delivered a dazzling 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, moving six points clear atop La Liga. Veteran forward Robert Lewandowski led the charge with two goals in rapid succession, breaking the deadlock early in the second half. Young prodigy Lamine Yamal and winger Raphinha added to the tally, capitalising on a Madrid defense struggling with Barcelona’s well-executed offside trap.
Real Madrid, known for their 42-game unbeaten streak, couldn’t overcome the compact defense led by Iñigo Martínez. Despite a first-half disallowed goal for Kylian Mbappé, Madrid was stymied by the high defensive line and aggressive counter-attacking pace orchestrated by Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick.
In the second half, Lewandowski opened the scoring with a low strike past Madrid’s keeper, followed minutes later by a header from Balde’s cross. The final quarter saw Yamal and Raphinha add two more goals, cementing Barcelona’s dominance. This emphatic win secures Barcelona’s place at the top and deepens Madrid’s frustrations as they seek to regroup and regain their footing in La Liga.
TALKING POINT – BARCELONA HOLD NERVE TO STRETCH ADVANTAGE
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick provided a tactical masterclass as his side ruthlessly ended their rivals unbeaten streak. The high and tight defensive line held by the visitors resulted in Mbappe becoming frustrated in the first half and continuously running offside. Madrid were caught offside 12 times in the game and when they did break through goalkeeper Inaki Pena was equal to their efforts. On the counter-attack, Barcelona were ruthless in the second half with Lewandowski timing his run for the opener perfectly. Lewandowski’s quick second was the perfect moment for the visitors who then picked off their frustrated hosts on the break.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Madrid: Lunin 6, Lucas 6, Militao 6, Rudiger 6, Mendy 6, Valverde 7, Tchouameni 6, Camavinga 6, Bellingham 7, Vinicius Junior 7, Mbappe 7. Subs: Diaz 6, Garcia 6, Modric 6
Barcelona: Pena 8, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 8, Martinez 9, Balde 8, Casado 7, Pedri 7, Yamal 8, Lopez 7, Raphinha 8, Lewandowski 7. Subs: De Jong 7, Gavi 7, Olmo 6
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
32 -MBAPPE GOAL DISSALOWED: Madrid break down the right before the final ball is played into the path of Mbappe to beat the goalkeeper. The French striker celebrates before VAR rules the goal out. It’s very tight but the goal is ruled out.
54 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 1 (LEWANDOWSKI): Lewandowski beats the off-side trap as Casado released the striker who slides his effort into the bottom corner.
56 –GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 2 (LEWANDOWSKI): It’s that man again with two goals in three minutes. Balde runs clear out wide and then sends a looping cross to the marksman who guides his header into the net.
66 – LEWANDOWSKI HITS POST: Barcelona should have sealed the win as Raphinha breaks clear and squares for Lewandowski who with the goal at his mercy hits the post.
77 –GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 3 (YAMAL): Surely that seals the win for Barcelona. On the counter-attack it is Raphinha who provides the assist with a surging run from the wing before finding Yamal to beat the goalkeeper.
84 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 4 (RAPHINHA): It’s another excellent goal for Barcelona on the break. A long ball over the top and Lucas is caught ball watching as Raphinha nips in and chips the ball over the goalkeeper.
