The Real Champs
Fansided

Five peculiar things that happened in Sunday’s El Clásico

By Sachin Bhat

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 6: Barcelona's Argentinian defender Sergio Busquets vies with Brasilian midfielder Casemiro during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 6, 2018 (Photo by LOLA BOU/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 6: Barcelona's Argentinian defender Sergio Busquets vies with Brasilian midfielder Casemiro during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 6, 2018 (Photo by LOLA BOU/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) sits on the field after resulting injured dbeside Spanish referee Hernandez Hernandez (C) and Barcelona’s Spanish defender Gerard Pique uring the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 6, 2018. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) sits on the field after resulting injured dbeside Spanish referee Hernandez Hernandez (C) and Barcelona’s Spanish defender Gerard Pique uring the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 6, 2018. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images) /

Controversial referee calls

It isn’t easy to officiate a game of this stature. Especially when you have two highly unforgiving fanbases ready to devour the official at every wrong decision. Sunday’s referee, Hernandez Hernandez, is the latest victim of these supporters, having come into the eye of the storm for a barrage of erroneous calls.

Jordi Alba grabbed Luka Modric by the throat but was left absolutely scot-free. Gareth Bale raked his boots down Samuel Umtiti’s calf, but again, went unpunished. Luis Suarez tripped  Raphael Varane, but play on said the referee. Jordi Alba brought down Marcelo inside the box, but penalty appeals were waved away.

We’ve witnessed officiating of similarly deplorable quality in the past. Sunday’s ranks somewhere among the top.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 06: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 06: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Messi throwing a spanner in Real Madrid’s works

Last but not least, the sight of Messi wheeling away in passionate celebration after scoring against Real Madrid. The Argentinian bagged his 26th Clásico goal, breaking in his trademark run across the face of the goal before rifling the ball into the net.

Next: Tactical analysis from Real Madrid’s draw against FC Barcelona

The Merengues are among his favorite opponents, popping up with a goal or two everytime the sides meet. He’s scored more against only Atletico Madrid (28) and Sevilla (31).

His goal today was his 19th in La Liga and 7th at the Camp Nou, taking him past Real Madrid legend Paco Gento for most league goals in the stadium in this fixture.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more great Real Madrid coverage!

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more great Real Madrid coverage!

Home/Editorials