Suarez put Barcelona ahead early with the opening goal. (Getty)
Real Madrid 0, Barcelona 4
There was never any doubt at the Bernabeu, as Barcelona beat Madrid 4-0 in one of the most lopsided Clasicos in recent memory.
While the hype pre-game surrounded the status of Messi, Barcelona did just fine without him. Neymar and Luis Suarez were absolute nightmares for the Madrid defense, netting three of the four goals. Iniesta netted the other, but was involved in most of the chances with brilliant passing through the entire match.
Barcelona now moves six points clear in the Liga table, while Madrid has serious questions following another disappointing fixture.
Whatever Madrid intended to do against Barca, it never materialized and didn’t work. Ronaldo looked frustrated all day, and when he had his chances, had uncharacteristic misses from close range.
Bale made a few nice runs up the sides, but the Welshman has once again underperformed in a marquee match.
If anyone, the axe could fall on manager Rafa Benitez. For all their spending on talent, Madrid looked forever the poorer side against their rivals today. If there are changes planned in Madrid, that would be a good place to start.
Goal Highlights
Barcelona didn’t waste any time, as Neymar and Suarez were aggressive from the opening minutes. But it was Sergi Roberto who got things started for Barca, when he sprinted through the Madrid defense in the 10th minute. The play opened up space for Suarez, who went far post on Navas to open the scoring.
Barcelona’s second goal was all Neymar. The Brazilian put a filthy move on Danilo, and broke down the left flank on the way to goal. Instead of an open pass to Suarez, Neymar tucked in a low shot past Navas for the two-goal lead.
What a FANTASTIC PLAY by @LuisSuarez9 and @Neymarjr. So close to a third. #ElClasico t.co/KfrcwETYgW
After halftime, it appeared Madrid had re-emerged ready to make a game of it. That ended after less than ten minutes, when Iniesta fired a laser past Navas off a beautiful back heel by Neymar. The pinnacle of today’s Clasico action.
AND @andresiniesta8 adds the THIRD! What. A. Golazo! #ElClasico t.co/hTBaT7Otpf
With the game in hand and Barca running wild, there was little Madrid could do on defense. It never got easier, as Lionel Messi casually made his return to the pitch after a two-month absence in the 57th minute. That stressed the Madrid back even further, culminating in this spectacular chip from Suarez. This last highlight doesn’t do justice to the supreme passing display put on just before Suarez broke free. The goals were scored up front, but this game was won in the midfield.
Because three was not enough! @LuisSuarez9 freezes @navasKeylor for his second of the night. #ElClasico t.co/0R53mKJwtT