There are statement victories and there's what Barcelona just did going into the Santiago Bernabeu to defeat Real Madrid 4-0. A brace from Robert Lewandowski and a goal from Lamine Yamal were enough as Barcelona's high line kept getting Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid at bay. With his goal, Yamal added to his growing list of accolades becoming the youngest player ever to score in this storied rivalry at 17.
Raphinha's insurance goal late on slammed the door shut and cemented Barcaas the clear favorites to win La Liga this campaign. The Brazilian beat Lucas Vazquez before chipping Andriy Lunin for a goal that was all too easy in a memorable day for Barca. Both teams did go through Champions League matches midweek but Barcelona were the side who seemed more fresh and now will go six points clear atop La Liga as a result while Carlo Ancelotti's men now have to play catchup.
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Barcelona have gone six points clear atop La Liga and ended a run of four consecutive victories by Real Madrid in El Clasico. Barcelona could've scored six goals but alongside his brace, Robert Lewandowski missed a few easy chances. Lamine Yamal continues to raise the bar for himself but now has become the youngest player to ever score in a Clasico.
This time it's Raphinha who lobs the keeper. It's a long ball right to the Brazilian that he slotted home continuing his excellent run of form after passing Lucas Vazquez. It's Raphinha's first Clasico goal.
He has become the youngest player to ever score in a Clasico putting Barcelona ahead 3-0 before dancing with Balde. Everything is coming up Barca as Real Madrid just subbed in Brahim Diaz before the goal but with Raphinha pulling the strings, the 17-year-old Yamal was able to make the finish look easy.
For Real Madrid to find a breakthrough. The second that Real Madrid are able to get one goal, it may become four but with how they've finished so far in the match, Barcelona feels more likely to score next.
Setup by Raphinha, Lewandowski had an open goal at his feet and a chance at a hat trick but fired his chance off the post. These are the kind of chances that Barcelona could regret later in the match.
Mbappe was close to a goal but Pena laid out well to stop the Frenchman. Luka Modric's rebound couldn't find the net but again Barcelona will counter with Dani Olmo entering the match for Casasdo.
Barcelona has broken this game open in the second half of play. No one tracked Lewandowski and Balde's cross found his head for an excellent finish. Real Madrid can't be counted out of any match but the tide has completely turned between these sides.
A finish has finally counted in this match as Lewandowski was able to keep an eye on Mendy to stay onside for Marc Casado to play the ball to his feet. It's Lewandowski's 16th goal of the season in all competitions which is top of anyone in any European league.
Barcelona has opted to make a change with Frenkie de Jong entering the match to steady the midfield as Hansi Flick looks for a winning goal. Barcelona can go six points clear atop the league with a victory so there are extra reasons to push for goals.
There were almost more offside flags than shots during the first half but it feels like as soon as the first goal goes in, the second will follow. Both teams want all three points in this heated rivalry and the chances are there if execution improves.
While this has been a thrilling match so far, you can also see the impact of both sides playing matches midweek as well. When it comes to the final ball, something is missing on each side and that's where managers will want to tweak their sides slightly to get a result in the clash.
It was a tight angle but Kylian Mbappe was just offside while putting the ball in the back of the net during his first El Clasico. Barcelona's defense has provided too much space but Real Madrid can't time their runs to take advantage of it.
Pedri fired an excellent shot from outside the box that was parried and led to a corner kick but Barcelona are getting their chances as the first half grows on. They have four shots to Real Madrid's two and a goal could be coming soon.
This time it's Vinicius Junior who was able to get into space but couldn't put his shot on target. With chances to play in Mbappe or test Pena's net, the Brazilian did neither as the match enters the 23rd minute.
Bellingham has the ball over the line but the flag has been raised because of an offside in the build up from Mbappe. Both teams are stepping well to keep players offside but they're playing with danger.
Lamine Yamal was in space going for a chip of Lunin in Real Madrid's net but it turned into an easy save. We're only 13 minutes into the match but it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
There hasn't been an official shot in the match but it's clear that there isn't much that will need to happen before one of these sides finds an opening goal. Two good chances have been stopped by the offside flag showing how much of a game of inches this is.
Welcome to your first Clasico. Real Madrid took advantage of Barcelona's high line to push the pace of the match but Mbappe's shot was just wide of the goal. It was judged to be offside but that's an early warning sign for Hansi Flick's Barcelona. Real Madrid haven't dropped a point at home this season and they don't plan to begin doing that today.
The Santiago Bernabeu is in full song as the teams come out for this Clasico.
This one feels like it will finish fairly even with Real and Barca scoring at least once but neither side emerging on top. With so much on the line in terms of the potential points gap situation, this is one that matters slightly more to the hosts. Pick: Real 1, Barca 1.
Real have not been anywhere near their best level of late but they remain unbeaten with seven wins and three draws from their 10 La Liga outings to sit second. Barca have won nine of 10 games despite significant injury issues which gives them a three-point lead coming into this one. The visitors are top scorers in La Liga with 33 goals to average better than three goals per game which will be what Los Merengues attempt to address. Real face Valencia, Osasuna and Milan before the November international break while Barca take on Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Crvena Zvezda before the next break.
Without Thiabout Courtois, there will be plenty of pressure on Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger in defense but with an attack led by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, there's certainly room for error.
Starters: Lunin, Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Tchouameni, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Mbappe, Vini. Jr
After defeating Bayern Munich handily in Champions League play, it makes sense for Hansi Flick to run back the same XI. With a mix of youth behind Robert Lewandoski and Raphinha, there are plenty of options to attack with.
Starters: Pena, Balde, Martinez, Cubarsi, Kounde, Pedri, Casado, Raphinha, Lopez, Yamal, Lewandowski
It's the latest installment of a storied rivalry as Hansi Flick and Kylian Mbappe prepare to take part in their first El Clasico. A match where legends are made, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid in good form every kick of the ball will matter. Defense could be a concern due to both teams being without their starting goalkeepers but that is more of a reason for the match to leave us on the edge of our seats.
