A masterclass from Barcelona all-but-sure secures La Liga
Barcelona have almost secured the La Liga title with a 12 point lead
Last night, Barcelona won by scoring two goals after going one goal down early due to an own goal from Araujo. The 2-1 win over Madrid has the Culers fancy Xavi’s first La Liga title as manager.
For Barcelona, it was Sergi Roberto to get Barcelona back in the match while Frank Kessie grabbed a late winner to send Real Madrid packing. It was the third clasico win in a row for Barcelona, while also sending them 12 points clear in the title race.
Match Highlights
Despite Araujo having an upper hand over Vinicius in the past few meetings, the Uruguayan was unlucky as he scored a own goal after taking a deflection on Vinicius Jr’s cross.
It was about half-time when Sergi Roberto equalised for Barcelona. The Spaniard found the back of the net with a curling effort following a series of shots being blocked in the box.
After a goal from Asensio being called off for offside, it looked like the match would end in a draw. However, a beautiful back heel from Lewandowski to Balde who cut inside a pass for Kessie to score a last minute winner sent shock waves through the hearts of Madrid players.
Who were the best performers on the pitch for Barcelona?
Jules Kounde (7/10):
The Frenchman put out a solid display as he covered Benzema all through out the game while also covering for Araujo playing as a right-back.
Andreas Christensen (7/10):
Despite missing a free header, Christensen was flawless in defense last night. He did not let the Madrid forwards score as they attacked heavily late in the second half.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
The youngster was continuously running up and down the left flank and showed improvements in his defensive positioning. Not to forget the last minute assist to Kessie for the winner.
Sergi Roberto (7/10):
Roberto proved his worth and Xavi’s belief in him. He was exceptional in Barcelona’s attack as he opened the scoring for the Catalans. He was the key in the Barcelona midfield as he inspired the tiki-taka display.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Despite being a bit slow on recoveries and making a few wrong passes in his own box, Busquets played like a true leader making a wide range of tackles and providing key deliveries into the opposition box.
Frenkie de Jong (8/10):
The most creative player in the middle, as he completed most passes and created five chances. The most anti-press player on the pitch as he got out of tight spaces and carried the ball forwards with beautiful dribbles.
Gavi (7/10):
Aggressive and energetic for most of the game. Reliable with the ball at his feet. Lucky enough to escape a booking for throwing Ceballos off the ball. As usual an inexperienced showing as he loses temper in crucial games.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Did not get on the scoresheet but kept Courtois busy with a series of long range efforts. Great runs in the box and was always involved in the build up play, pulling defenders of their position to create space for others. Not to forget the back heel pre-assist pass to Balde.
Raphinha (7/10):
The Brazilian was the most dangerous man in attack for Barcelona. He was continuously creating havoc on the right wing, cutting in and shooting or providing crosses in the box. A total of four shots on target.
Franck Kessie (8/10):
Despite coming on as a sub late in the game, Kessie bullied the Madrid players. His physicality was out of the world and even grabbed the winning goal. A no nonsense display from the Ivorian.
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