El Classico analysis

I was waiting for Real Madrid to show the world that they have caught up with Barcelona as their form and performances have shown this season. However, overall I was dissapointed by the performance on the day and the tactics by Jose.

Barcelona in recent weeks have looked to be too reliant in Messi and they havent been as formiddable as they should do (high standards we expect) and in contrast CR7 has been more of a team-player and been unstoppable at times. So hoped for a great match.

Valdes was terrible throughout and Benzema scored in the first min. I thought, yes, now Madrid can play their game and attack Barca who looked edgy. Madrid did dominate and was winning the posession but were not as ruthless as they have been particularly Ronaldo.

As the game went on Barca slowly started creating spaces but Messi played deeper. It was almost Madrid were waiting for Barca to respond rather than taking the initiative.

Inevitably it was Messi that delievered that magic with a great and strong run and a inch perfect pass to an impressive Sanchez for the equaliser.
I was thinking right, come on Madrid take the game to them. However, it was Barca that stepped it and in particularly Iniesta that was so effective and elegant whilst Madrid created some chances but Ronaldo missed some sitters.

Barca grew in confidence but Madrid started to defend more and give space which they havent doen in a while. I was suprised that Higuain didnt start with Benzema as they should have been true to their winning formula but I guess Jose was too worried about Barca's threat.

I did feel that Contreau played well and defended good for someone who is relatively inexperienced. Also Di Maria started well too.

Higuain was given too less of time to do something but the biggest dissapoint was Ronaldo. I expected him to contribute something even if he didnt score but he was ineffective throughout and should have been subbed.

Overall, Barca took their chances but their performance second half from their big players was the reason to their victory whilst Madrid's under-performed when it mattered.

The season is not finished yet but Jose needs work on plan C/D/E to beat Barca as currently, he doesnt look like winning against Pep.

I'm still going for Madrid to win La Liga and CL too haha
That squad is so scary