OCTOBER 27, 2013
Barcelona players celebrating their victory over Real Madrid at the Camp Nou … on Saturday. Inset: Agony for Madrid’s Ronaldo.
| credits: AFP
| credits: AFP
Gareth Bale had an El Clasico debut to forget as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Camp Nou thanks to goals from Neymar and Alexis Sanchez.
Bale had been surprisingly selected for just his second start since joining the club by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, but struggled to make an impression as Barca dominated the first-half.
Neymar gave the hosts a deserved lead with a neat finish from a narrow angle on 19 minutes before Lionel Messi ought to have doubled the advantage when he fired wide moments later.
Bale was replaced by Karim Benzema on the hour mark and the Frenchman nearly made an instant impact when he smashed the crossbar with 21 minutes remaining.
However, Sanchez sealed the points 12 minutes from time with a delightful chip over Diego Lopez.
Substitute Jese Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Madrid in stoppage time, but it was too little too late as Barca moved six points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga.
Bale’s inclusion was not the only surprise amongst Ancelotti’s starting line up as Sergio Ramos was also moved into an unfamiliar central midfield role.
The Welshman had Madrid’s first effort on goal with a left-footed strike that sailed well over, but it was Barca who settled quicker as Real struggled to come to terms with Neymar’s pace and trickery.
It was no surprise that it was the Brazilian who put Barca in front when he collected Andres Iniesta’s pass inside the area and sneaked his shot from a narrow angle inside the far post with the aid of a slight deflection off Dani Carvajal.
The presence of Cesc Fabregas in the Barca side had forced Messi into an unusual position on the right side.
However, the Argentine should have doubled the lead two minutes later when he was released through on goal only to uncharacteristically slide the ball wide on his trusted left foot.
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