In the ultimate showdown in La Liga, reigning champions Real Madrid were set to clash with their fierce rivals and current league leaders, FC Barcelona, in the season's inaugural El Clasico tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid approached the match with great confidence, following a commanding comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. The determination was evident in their assertive first-half performance in the fixture.
Real Madrid initially showcased a higher-pressing game and played with increased intensity. Despite this effort, they struggled to break through Flick’s effective offside trap, resulting in no shots on target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side by half-time.
Barcelona and Lewandowski's 'Flick' ball Humbled Real Madrid
However, the second half brought a shift in momentum. The Catalans responded strongly, with their iconic number nine, Robert Lewandowski, leading the charge by scoring two goals in just two minutes.
Lewandowski deliciously found the net to score the opening goal in the first Clasico of the 2024-25 season.
The goal showcased a well-executed play, with Marc Casado delivering a brilliant volley that allowed Lewandowski to break through the Madrid defence. Replays indicated that Madrid's left-back, Ferland Mendy, was the player who inadvertently kept the Polish striker onside.
In the build-up to the second goal, Lewandowski skillfully converted Balde's precise cross to extend Barcelona's lead.
Madrid's centre-backs struggled to keep up with Lewandowski in that moment, allowing him space just 10 yards from goal. The curling cross from Alejandro Balde was executed flawlessly, and Lewandowski's header was expertly placed beyond Madrid keeper Lunin's reach.
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Lewandowski define y pone al Barcelona con la ventaja en #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/Bczag5YsPw
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) October 26, 2024
LEWANDOWSKI SCORES TWICE FOR BARCELONA 🔥🔥
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) October 26, 2024
Lewandowski scores two quick goals in succession to blow Madrid apart. Incredibly, Real Madrid hasn't lost at the Bernabeu since April 2023. #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/FuRtRK0e5L
Barcelona won 4-0
Barçelona's new wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, also shined in the fixture as he netted a screamer with his left foot in the 78th minute.
Barçelona's skipper also joined the fray of 'humbling' Real Madrid as the skipper found the net with a cheeky humiliating lob over the Goalkeeper in the 86th minute.
Barçelona not only defeated Real Madrid 0-4 but also put a rest to their unbeaten La Liga run since 2023.