Three takeaways from Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona

Barcelona pummelled four goals past Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last night in what was a historic result on multiple levels.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring in the second half and doubled the lead minutes later with a sensational header off an Alejandro Balde cross. 

Lamine Yamal made it 3-0 with a sensational right-foot finish from a tight angle before the third member of the trident, Raphinha, scored his first Clasico goal to put the final nail in the coffin.

The result takes Barcelona six points clear in La Liga and onto an unprecedented level of momentum, announcing their name to the world as serious contenders for all trophies this season.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona.

High-line paradise

The big talking point heading into Saturday’s Clasico was always Hansi Flick’s high line and how it would pan out against a side that boasted sheer pace in attack.

For starters, the German tactician did not alter his tactics against Real Madrid and adopted a high defensive line fearlessly, making it clear that he would not bend to opponents’ philosophies.

It was thus not surprising that the hosts’ primary game plan was precisely to exploit the Catalans’ apparent defensive loophole. However, it turns out that the high line was not Barcelona’s weakness but its greatest strength.

Flick has drilled his defence extremely well in maintaining the offside trap, so much so that it is almost taken for granted that opposition attackers will be played offside. That was what unfolded at the Bernabeu once more.

Barcelona’s disciplined defence ensured that Kylian Mbappe was almost always played offside with his runs, negating most of the chances the Merengues created in the first half. On the few occasions he got through, Inaki Pena stepped up and made the required saves to keep Barcelona in it.

Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez showed great composure to hold their lines together, with the former displaying great maturity for a 17-year-old. Now that they have survived Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, it is safe to say that the Catalans’ defensive line is indeed their greatest strength.

Game-changing substitute

While Barcelona were not dominated in the first period, they did allow Los Blancos their fair share of chances at the other end and the half was quite equally contested between the arch-rivals.

Real Madrid constantly looked to break through the lines with long passes which the offside trap negated, but the pressure from Barcelona off the ball and the stability in midfield was quite not there.

The introduction of Frenkie de Jong for Fermin Lopez at half-time was the perfect change from Hansi Flick and it brought the envisaged changes in the game dynamics.

With the Dutchman arriving on the scene, he joined Marc Casado in the double pivot with Pedri moving forward to the offensive midfield. 

Despite not having many minutes under his belt this season, De Jong looked very comfortable in the double-pivot role and improved Barcelona’s play off the ball. Alongside Casado, the Dutchman took charge of the deep playmaking and even regularly looked to orchestrate counterattacks with long passes.

The renewed stability saw Barcelona unleashed and ruthless in attack and it is not surprising that all four goals came after the half-time break.

With the visitors featuring a stable pivot after De Jong’s arrival, Real Madrid struggled with their buildup through the middle and barely created any chances in the second period. A game-changing substitution.

Pride, prestige and history defended

What Barcelona are pulling off this season is truly unbelievable, and Flick deserves all the credit in the world for turning around the team’s fortunes so emphatically.

To beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in back-to-back games is quite simply the greatest achievement the team has pulled off in close to half a decade. While the win midweek was emphatic, there was something special about last night’s performance.

For starters, tearing Real Madrid apart in their own den is always special and a 4-0 scoreline makes for a historic result.

The fact that the game was a six-pointer and that the Blaugrana are now six points clear in La Liga only adds to the celebration as it gives the dressing room breathing space amidst the hectic calendar and the manager some room to rotate.

From a mental perspective as well, the recent run of results is truly massive as the dressing room is now on a high they have never experienced before. To enter the next set of games with such confidence is truly massive for the team.

The most important of all takeaways, however, is that Barcelona defended one of their most historic records yet by turning up at the opportune moment.

Real Madrid were just one draw or win away from levelling Barcelona as the team with the most consecutive games unbeaten in La Liga history. Had they taken any points last night, they would have equalled the record and be set to even break in on the next matchday.

By defeating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, Flick’s men defended the team’s place in history and reduced their arch-rivals’ efforts to rubble. A Clasico win that will go down as one of the greatest ever.