Three home defeats in a row for the first time since 2004. Falling behind Barcelona in the win count between the sides for the first time in 87 years. Even though there was little to play for in this Clasico with La Liga title hopes slim to say the least, defeat to Barcelona really hurt for Real Madrid on Saturday evening.
It took just the one goal to decide the game, even though Real Madrid were out for revenge after being eliminated in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by a Barcelona thrashing at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. That strike came from Ivan Rakitic with a delicate chip over Thibaut Courtois just before the half-hour mark with what proved to be the winner in a 1-0 win.
Our tactical analysis will use statistics to identify what key points Real Madrid’s Santiago Solari can take from the game.
Lineups
Real Madrid made two changes to their team from Wednesday’s defeat, recalling first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Keylor Navas’ place as expected. Gareth Bale was also selected ahead of Lucas Vazquez in attack in a real statement of intent.
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