News
SAT 02.04.2016
Zinedine Zidane won his first #ElClasico as coach of Real Madrid when his side came from behind to end FC Barcelona's 39-game unbeaten run. The win moved Los Blancos to within seven points of the leaders with seven games left to play, and one behind second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Cruyff
The teams came out to a spectacular mosaic around the Camp Nou, a tribute to former player and manager Johan Cryuff who passed away last week, and that was followed by an emotional minute’s silence before kick off. The Dutchman had worn the number 14 shirt, and when the 14th minute came up on the clock the whole stadium applauded.
Tight first half
Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges with Luis Suarez missing the simplest of chances after only nine minutes. Ivan Rakitic drew a sharp save from Keylor Navas but Madrid clawed their way back into the game. Cristiano Ronaldo stung Claudio Bravo’s hands with a fierce shot and he exchanged freekicks with Leo Messi, both firing just over the crossbar.
Pique header
The game burst into life after the break. Barça piled the pressure on the visitors’ goal, Navas making a superb save to push away a clever lob from Messi. A string of corners ended with Barça defender Gerard Pique powering a header in at the near post for his second goal this season.
Benzema
Madrid responded quickly. Benzema scored with an acrobatic volley to put Los Blancos level with his 21st goal of the campaign. Ronaldo then skimmed the crossbar with a curling shot from distance and the visitors grew into the game.
Ronaldo winner
A second yellow card for Sergio Ramos with seven minutes to go looked to have scotched Madrid’s hopes of stealing a win, but the BBC had other ideas. Gareth Bale crossed from the right, and Ronaldo brought the ball down on his chest at the back post. Skipping past his marker he slotted the ball under Bravo for his 29th goal of the season.
© LALIGA - 2016