Even though Robert Lewandowski did not headline the El Clasico build-up, the 2021 Best FIFA Men's Player showed poster boy Kylian Mbappe how it's done at La Liga's grandest stage in Madrid on Saturday. A quick-fire brace from the former Bayern Munich forward fashioned Barcelona's memorable 4-0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Lewandowski silencing the Bernabeu, which was packed to the rafters for Mbappe's Clasico debut, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal outsmarted goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to dash all 'ramontada' hopes of Los Blancos in their backyard.
Making sure that Real Madrid fans opt for an early Bernabeu exit, in-form Raphinha wrapped up the goal-fest second half with Barcelona's knockout blow in the 84th minute. Holders Real Madrid hosted bitter rivals Barcelona after an epic come-from-behind triumph over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Visitors Barcelona also warmed up for Clasico with an impressive 4-1 win over Bayern at Camp Nou. In the lead-up to the first Clasico of the new season, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti credited Barca manager Hansi Flick for changing the philosophy of the Blaugrana. Under Flick's watch, Barcelona have managed to draw 73 offsides - the most by any team in Europe's top five leagues this season.
Flag was up for Real and Mbappe
Thanks to Barca's high defensive line, superstar Mbappe became an offside merchant in his forgetful Clasico debut for Real Madrid. Flick-coached Barca cancelled out Mbappe's two strikes with their trademark offside trap. Interestingly, Mbappe was called offside on six occasions inside the first half of the Clasico in Madrid. Wasteful in their first half, Mbappe-starrer Real Madrid equalled their highest number of
Football
Barcelona
Real Madrid
Bayern Munich
Robert Lewandowski
El Clasico
Carlo Ancelotti
Kylian Mbappe
Andriy Lunin
Hansi Flick