The two Spanish sides were in rich goalscoring form prior to yesterday’s game and fans were expecting a game filled with many goals and great skills.
Contrary to fans’ expectations, the encounter experienced just two goals — one per club — no thanks to many missed chances from both clubs.
Match Review
Real Madrid started strongly despite being the away team and they found the back of the net with just six minutes on the clock.
Vinicius Junior’s cross found an unmarked Karim Benzema, who brilliantly placed the ball across to Lucas Vazquez. The Spaniard wasted no time before hitting a venomous shot into Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s net.
The away fans couldn’t help but hoped for more goals due to the attacking urgency displayed by Santiago Solari’s men in the early stages of the game.
However, the side couldn’t build on their early lead as they lacked cutting-edge in the final half of the pitch.
Loads of chances were created but Benzema, Vinicius, Vazquez were all guilty of missing a sitter during the first half.
Having soaked all pressures from the visitors, the Blaugranas became lively in the closing period of the game.
Valverde’s men had many opportunities to draw level with Real Madrid but they could not take their opportunities.
After many wasted clear-cut chances, the Camp Nou outfits eventually equalized in the 57th minute thanks to defensive error from Madrid defenders which gave room for Brazil’s Malcom to head home pass Keylor Navas.
Lionel Messi, who wasn’t fit enough to start, was introduced into the game in the second half but the Argentine couldn’t help the Blaugranas take maximum points as it ended 1-1.
Three Talking Points from the Encounter
El Classico too big for Vinicius Junior
The youngster has been an outstanding player for Real Madrid since Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui last year, but yesterday’s El classico appeared too early for him.
The 18-year-old had much space to operate throughout the game but his passes and crosses were far from convincing.
He didn’t looked the same player who scored and assisted a goal against Melilla some weeks ago, it’s understandable anyway — El classico is a fixture for ‘man’ not ‘boys’
Barcelona Defence Still in Crisis
Real Madrid’s lone goal of the night was a confirmation that Barcelona’s right-back position is a major concern for Valverde.
Semendo is doing great of late but he was caught off-guard by Vinicius in the entire duration of the game. Semendo was too adventurous and he ignored his defensive duties too often.
Good Result for Real Madrid
As much as the Galacticos could have picked maximum points, playing a 1-1 draw with Barcelona is a very good result.
An away goal is definitely important in Copa del Rey and it may be the deciding factor when the reverse leg is played at Santiago Bernabeu two weeks time.
A goalless draw is enough to see Madrid progress to the final of the competition, however, that won’t come easily as Barcelona are ready to do everything possible to progress to the next round of the competition.