Contrary to our prediction, Real Madrid beat Barca 2-0 in a well-deserved win over bitter rivals from Catalonia, placing them back on top of the La Liga table.
It was a tense clash at the Bernabeu with this Clasico being dubbed as the most significant one in a long, long time. Although the game saw no goals until the 70th minute both keepers were kept busy. Thibaut Courtois made a few crucial saves to preserve a clean sheet for his side.
3 – Thibaut Courtois has saved 30 of the last 36 shots on target ha has faced for @realmadriden in @LaLigaEN (three saves in the first half against Barcelona). Guardian. pic.twitter.com/gI2bYjAkvf
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 1, 2020
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was impressive as well, even though Vinicius Junior found the back of his net with 20 minutes remaining. The Brazilian’s strike deflected off Gerard Pique and past Ter Stegen at the near post to give the hosts the lead.
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? Vinicius SENIOR! ? • #LaLiga #LaLigaSantander #RealMadrid #Vinicius #ElClásico #Football #Goals
Публикация от LaLiga (@laliga)
With this goal Vinicius Junior (9 years and 233 days) became the youngest goalscorer in El Clasico history, beating Lionel Messi’s previously set record. Mariano Diaz made it 2-0 with a cracker in the last seconds of play, breaking another record; his goal is the fastest by a sub in El Clasico in La Liga in the 21st century (50 seconds).
Special shout-out to Toni Kroos who, after being benched mid-week, had a brilliant game and it was his magnificent slide-rule pass that set up Vinicius for the first goal. Good to have you back, Toni!
50 – Mariano Díaz’s goal is the fastest by a sub in #ElClasico in @LaLigaEN in the 21st century (50 seconds). Surprise. pic.twitter.com/CsUZuhzCeJ
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 1, 2020
Quique Setien’s men had a few chances, especially in the first half when Messi was stopped by Courtois one-on-one, but Barcelona were clearly the poorer side this Sunday. Real Madrid could be on their way to being named La Liga 2019/20 champions and the narrow race at the top is definitely gripping to watch.
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Painful defeat. Real Madrid 2-0 Barça
Публикация от FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona)
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Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona ⚽ 71′ @viniciusjunior ⚽ 90’+2’ @marianodiazmejia #RealFootball | #Emirates
Публикация от Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid)
That’s it from the Clasico! We’ll be back next weekend with all the action from La Liga. Make sure to bet with 22Bet!