La Liga
Luis Suarez Hat-Trick Helps Barca Thrash Real Madrid
A Luis Suarez hat-trick helped Barcelona thrash Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season at the Camp Nou.
Further goals from Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal helped Barca embarrass their rivals and reclaim top spot in La Liga.
Real Madrid who were two nil down at half time had started the second half better.
Five minutes into the second half Marcelo gave Real Madrid hope by slotting his shot past Marc Andre ter-Stegen in the Barcelona goal.
But they imploded late on and conceded three goals in the last 16 minutes which will surely see the end of Julen Lopetegui’s reign as Real Madrid manager.
The defeat was Real Madrid’s 4th in their last five games in La Liga but the manner of this loss will hurt Real Madrid’s fans the most.
Barcelona took the lead after just 10 minutes. A great ball into the box by Jordi Alba found Coutinho who calmly slid the ball past Thibaut Courtois for his first El Clasico goal.
On 27 minutes a piece of history was made in this famous fixture. A cross into the box by Jordi Alba found Luis Suarez inside the box.
The Uruguayan was brought down by Raphael Varane inside the penalty area.
Initially the referee waved play on but on the advice of VAR, he had another look at the pitchside monitor.
After a few minutes he changed his mind and pointed to the spot. Up stepped Luis Suarez who fired the penalty past Courtois.
Real Madrid struggled to create any chances and looked a side short of confidence.
Also, they were allowing Barcelona left back Jordi Alba so much time and space.
Real Madrid Implode
Real Madrid were the better side in the second half and got back into the game on 50 minutes.
Isco cut the ball back inside the penalty area, it took a deflection of Clement Lenglet and into the path of Marcelo.
The Brazilian then tucked the ball neatly past ter Stegen and into the net.
Minutes later Real Madrid were almost level. Luka Modric hit a shot from just inside the box which stuck the base of the post.
On the hour mark, it was Barca’s turn to hit the woodwork. Sergio Roberto cut the ball back to Luis Suarez inside the penalty area but his volley hit the post from close range.
However, with just 16 minutes to go Barcelona made the game safe. A great cross by Sergio Roberto found Luis Suarez who brilliantly guided his header beyond Courtois.
Barcelona were starting to run riot and made it four shortly afterwards. A mistake from Sergio Ramos allowed Sergio Roberto to play Luis Suarez in on goal.
The Uruguayan then superbly dinked the ball over the advancing Courtois for his hat- trick, his first in El Clasico.
With just three minutes to go Arturo Vidal headed home a Ousmane Dembele cross to complete the rout.
Luis Suarez Steps Up To The Plate
There was a lot of anxiety amongst the Barcelona fans after Lionel Messi got injured last weekend against Sevilla.
How would Barcelona cope without their talisman and best player? Other players would have to step up to the plate.
That is exactly what Luis Suarez did. A cool calm penalty, a brilliant header and superb dinked finish showed why he is one of the best strikers in world football.
The Uruguayan has had to face a lot of criticism during his spell at the Camp Nou and there were questions about his form at the start of the season.
However, all that will be forgotten about now as he claimed his first El Clasico hat trick.
A lot of the time he is overshadowed by the greatness of Lionel Messi. Suarez might not get 50 goals a season, every season.
But he showed tonight that he can step up when required and will only kick on after this impressive performance.
Surely The End For Lopetegui
It will be hard to imagine Julen Lopetegui will be in charge of Real Madrid next weekend.
The pressure was already on the Spaniard after three defeats in four League games going into El Clasico.
Losing to a great side like Barcelona can happen. But the manner in which they imploded in the second half will surely see the end of his reign as Real Madrid boss.
His side looked like they gave up once Barcelona scored their third goal. This is something you wouldn’t expect from a side who have won the Champions League in the last three seasons.
Lopetegui has looked out of his depth which is not a surprise giving his managerial resume.
He didn’t win anything in his time in charge of Porto and even though he qualified for the World Cup with Spain, he hardly had the experience required to manage a club the size of Real Madrid.
It was a gamble that hasn’t paid off. Who should replace him will be the big question.
Antonio Conte has been linked with the job but will the Real Madrid squad take to his training methods?
Also, he doesn’t have a great record in the Champions League either. Former Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim looks a better option.
He is a great tactician and has experience developing young players.
It will be interesting to see who will be in charge of their next game in the Copa del Rey against Melilla away on Wednesday.
Next up for Barcelona is a trip to face Cultural Leonesa also in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Photo credit to Dickson Dagogo via Flickr
