The Clasico is now a few days old, giving the viewers and analysts a few days to ponder on soccer's biggest match in the world. There are obviously number of major implications to take away from the game and it is essential to point them out, especially with the two sides slated to meet at least one more time this season in the Copa del Rey final.
1. Barcelona is seemingly back
The start of 2014 was not kind to Blaugrana. They dropped points time and again and were victims to poor defense and an impotent offense. But the display on Sunday showed a Barcelona that had its passing game and was able to weather every storm that Real Madrid threw its way. This is the Barcelona that looked unstoppable early in the year. That said...
2. Barcelona is still very vulnerable defensively
When they had the ball, the Cules looked comfortable and it seemed that anything was possible. But when Real Madrid was on the front foot, Blaugrana looked extremely vulnerable. The two goals for Karim Benzema were the result of poor coverage in front of the box. Benzema nearly had another one, but Gerard Pique happened to be in the right place and right time to kick the ball off the line. The controversial penalty to Ronaldo was another example of the defense being completely overwhelmed by the impending attack. Against a strong Bayern Munich side, Barcelona is clearly a bigger underdog than some might expect.
3. Neymar and Messi are the tale of two players
Messi is Barcelona's saving grace and the reason that they can aspire to a Champions League title. He was not in form for the clash with Bayern Munich last year, but with his current string of performances one is inclined to believe that he can determine the outcome singlehandedly.
Neymar meanwhile looks more and more lost in Barcelona's formation. Coach Gerardo Martino made a huge mistake by placing him on the right wing, but the Brazilian's poor play in 2014 transcends his coach's poor decisions. Neymar simply looks like Barcelona's weakest player on the field and it is becoming increasingly clear that the bench may be the ideal place for him for the remainder of 2013-14.
4. Real Madrid should be happy with their play
The defense flopped on the first two goals, but overall Los Blancos looked to be the better side throughout the match. They took the game to Barcelona without any signs of intimidation. While Ronaldo was rendered ineffective for most of the game, Gareth Bale and Benzema managed to place their respective stamps on the game and proved that Madrid was more than just a collection of talented players. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has compiled the best Madrid team in years.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo still not at his best
The superstar has been terrific in the Champions League this year, but his play in the Spanish League has dipped a bit in 2014; it seems that the combination of the three-game suspension and winning the Ballon d'Or have somehow lowered his drive and passion somewhat. His biggest display of passion on Sunday came after the whistle when he was complaining about the referee. His intensity should have been more apparent on the pitch where it would have likely made a bigger difference.
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