2. Real Madrid’s big-game consistency remains intact
The biggest positive to me was the reassurance that this game provided. It was not the easiest fixture for Real Madrid, with the first-choice XI being compromised by David Alaba’s last-minute issue and the threat down the right flank nearly non-existent to start with. Yes, Barcelona did play well but in the end, the men in white came out on top. And, that just goes to prove how Real Madrid manages to get the job done in these telling games.
There were a few key performers outside the two exuberant protagonists of the win that I talked about in the previous slide. Ferland Mendy, came out on top as Los Blancos’ best defender. A clutch shift from Casemiro in the middle of the park was yet again vital for Los Blancos. Luka Modric’s smart movement always opened up a passing outlet to evade the press. Toni Kroos was immense defensively if not offensively. And, last but not the least, Real Madrid’s super-subs Rodrygo Goes and Fede Valverde combined to win it for Real Madrid.
They led twice but they lost both their leads in regulation time. Even then, the men in white didn’t let that get into their heads and rather focused on getting the win alone. The elite Real Madrid mentality is intact, something that I thought was lacking against Chelsea in the semifinal of last season’s Champions League. This game, therefore, was very, very reassuring for me as a fan.
The road ahead isn’t easy, to say the least. There is PSG waiting to host Real in Paris and a tricky Elche side awaits Real in the Round-of-16 of the Copa del Rey. They could also face a strong opposition in the last eight – should they go through. These knockouts are always tricky and to have seen the team suffer and rescue a win in extra time against their arch-rivals, nonetheless, is the best appetizer I could have asked for before the season-defining games start showing up.