Barcelona exhibited a blistering display of attacking football to beat archrivals Real Madrid 4-0 in the second El Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeau on Sunday evening.
The Catalan club, who seem to have turned a corner were the better team from start to finish, with Real, missing their talisman Karim Benzema unable to cope with their pace, power, and finishing.
The hosts were the first to attack in the seventh minute when Federico Valverde got some space and unleashed a powerful shot towards the bottom right corner, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen pulled off a reflexive save to block his effort.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then tested Thibaut Courtois for the first time in the 12th minute when he got inside the box and headed goalwards, but the Belgian shot-stopper was equal to the task, making a good save.
Ousmane Dembele followed up with a rebound, but Courtois made yet another spectacular save as he kept his side’s clean sheet.
Barcelona grew further in the game, upping the tempo as Madrid’s midfield failed to control the attacking unit consisting of Aubameyang, Dembele, and Ferran Torres.
The Catalan club’s efforts paid off eventually as Dembele found Aubameyang with a delicious cross from the wing, giving the Gabon international the simplest of tasks to head home from close range.
It got worse in the 38th minute as Ronald Araujo rose highest to meet a corner ball from Dembele and planted a low header into the middle of the goal, leaving Courtois beaten.
Barcelona started the second half like a house on fire, as Torres found himself with a great opportunity, unleashing a shot from the edge of the box which whizzed just wide of the right post.
The former Man City man however got his goal a minute later when he curled a brilliant ball into the top corner after a nice Aubameyang lay-off.
It was 4-0 five minutes later as Aubameyang added his second of the night with a delightful chip, even though the goal had to be checked by VAR.
Despite their healthy lead, Barcelona kept attacking for the remainder of the match, with Real limited to only a few chances.
There were no more goals at the Bernabéu as the Catalan club left with maximum points, denting Real’s title hopes in the process.
The win means Xavi Hernandez’s team have consolidated their third spot on the log with 54 points, 12 off Madrid but with a match at hand.
