Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
Is there such a thing as a dull, tame El Clasico?
Let’s hope not because football games like this are a thrill a minute, especially for the football betting neutrals.
In a cauldron El Clasico, the tension started before a ball had been kicked as Real Madrid decided not to give the newly crowned La Liga champions a guard of honour.
There was a pretty explosive start on the pitch too.
Just 10 minutes in and Sergi Roberto took full advantage of Marcelo losing possession, advanced down the right flank and teed up Luis Suarez to volley home the opener.
A dream start for Barca in Andres Iniesta’s final El Clasico, although Real were soon level.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who else, smashed the ball home to complete a move he started involving Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema – his 18th goal against Barcelona, equalling the record of the great Alfredo Di Stefano.
The world player of the year seemed to pick up an injury in getting to the ball before Gerard Pique and, while he played on, was substituted at the break – Madrid taking no chances with their star man ahead of this month’s Champions League Final.
As the score remained level, there were clashes. Jordi Alba was fortunate to avoid a yellow card after appearing to push Luka Modric in the neck, while a disagreement between
Suarez and Sergio Ramos resulted in both being booked.
With tempers raised, Messi was then booked for a challenge on Ramos, while Gareth Bale’s challenge on Samuel Umtiti was widely criticised and the Welshman, already booked, was perhaps fortunate to escape a second yellow.
Then there was a red card. On the stroke of half-time, Roberto was dismissed for an attempted punch at Marcelo.
Suddenly, Barcelona’s hope of going through the league season unbeaten was on the line.
The tension was clear and, even before a ball was kicked in the second half, Pique seemed to infuriate Nacho Fernandez with a comment he made in the tunnel.
Still, the drama continued.
Messi restored the champions’ lead with his 33rd league goal of the season but again there was controversy with suggestions Suarez had fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up.
Real weren’t to be beaten by the 10 men and Bale levelled 18 minutes from time, curling in a beautiful first-time shot from 20 yards following Marco Asensio’s cutback.
It was a good way for the Welshman to silence his doubters and clinch a point in a contest in which both sides could have sneaked a winner.
Honours even then and the 10 men of Barcelona will be happier, especially given their numerical disadvantage and that they remain unbeaten.
It was fast, it was furious and if you were a neutral, it was fun!
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