Spanish league La Liga is getting more interesting as it is reaching to its end, perhaps, in reality, there is no one to stop Barcelona winning La Liga title this season, but its arch rival Real Madrid did a splendid job to beat Barca two times in five days in two different leagues. Though, Madrid is still on the third position, but its margin is narrowed significantly from both Barca as well as second place holder Atletico. Its latest 2-1 victory over Barca proved what Tito Vilanova’s team is missing. On the other hand, this victory will surely boost the confidence level of Jose Mourinho’s men, especially ahead of their Champions league clash with Manchester United. Messi put some resistance to save his team but nothing could work in his favor, though he scored one goal. It is also a wake up call for Barcelona coz it has lost last few matches on a surprising note, like two consecutive victories to Madrid and a 2-0 loss to AC Milan in the Champions League. Actually, absence of its head coach Tito Vilanova is costing too much to this Spanish giant otherwise no one imagined it to lose straight matches.
Madrid holds its grip over the match right from the beginning when Karim Benzema capitalized a cross from 20 year old Alvaro Morata in the sixth minute, but Messi equalized the lead within 18 minutes following a pass from Daniel Alves. After first two speedy goals, both teams tried their hard to find the net thereafter but no one could succeed. It was Sergio Ramos who scored the winner in the 82nd minute as header using Luka Modric’s corner kick and made it sure they will pass the remaining time carrying this lead.
Barca center back Gerard Pique said on his team’s defeat in quick succession, “It’s impossible to keep up the same level of play for 12 months. But it is true that we have played three or four bad games, and that is serious because Barcelona always has to win. But this team will turn things around. I believe that because this is the best team I have ever played on. I’m surprised so many people have already jumped off the bandwagon.”
Sergio Ramos also left similar reaction by saying, “We deserved to win. The team has been strengthened by these clasico matches. We are going to Manchester convinced, but with respect for our opponent.”