Barcelona 4 – Real Madrid 3, goals from Mbappé (3) that weren’t enough to win a match where the league title was on the line.
A good start with a 0-2 lead
Curiously, Real Madrid started the match well, taking advantage of counterattacks and going up 0-2 with two goals from Mbappé—the first from a penalty and the second after a good pass from Vinicius.
But soon after, the lost version of Ancelotti’s Madrid returned—uncertain of how to play, neither attacking nor defending properly—and what had to happen, happened: Barcelona quickly made it 2-2. Later, they kept capitalizing on Madrid’s defensive mistakes, going up 4-2 in just a few minutes, effectively sealing both the match and the league.
Mbappé pulled one back to make it 4-3, completing his hat-trick (three goals), but it was of little use. Barcelona even had a fifth goal, which was disallowed for handball. On Courtois’ birthday, he made some good saves but couldn’t stop the Barça onslaught.
Ancelotti’s last Clásico
This was in all likelihood Ancelotti’s last Clásico, capping off a string of clear defeats against Barcelona this season (La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and now this match).
Ancelotti once again made puzzling decisions, this time not giving Rodrygo a single minute. His excuse was that Rodrygo was recovering from the flu and wasn’t at 100%, but if that’s the case, why even call him up if you’re not going to use him? Many of Ancelotti’s flaws as a coach have been exposed this season (in past seasons, miraculous comebacks and last-minute heroics helped cover them up).
Poor club planning
But Ancelotti isn’t the only one to blame. What’s happened this season is hard to believe—a summer where only Mbappé and Endrick were signed. Mbappé is a great signing, but he plays in the same position as Vinicius, and Endrick is a player Ancelotti has barely used. The midfield wasn’t reinforced despite Kroos leaving and Modric’s noticeable decline. Modric, who almost certainly won’t continue, nor will Lucas Vázquez.
There were no defensive signings either, and to make matters worse, all defenders are now injured: Militão, Carvajal, Alaba, Rüdiger, and Mendy were all out today—not a small matter.
A club with a budget of over €1 billion must step up its sporting planning. They got away with doing the same last season because things worked out, but luck isn’t always on your side—you can’t always pass the test without studying. It’s much better to prepare properly.
Xabi Alonso
Hopefully, with Xabi Alonso in charge, there will be serious and thorough planning, with proper and plentiful signings (not just one), and every part of the squad well reinforced. There should be plans A, B, and C—not just plan A like this season.
Club World Cup
Interestingly, the Club World Cup is still to come, which for me personally is the most important title of the year. It’s the first time we’re playing it and it only takes place every four years. That’s why it will be an obsession for Madrid fans to add it to the Bernabéu’s trophy room. All hopes will have to be placed on it to salvage the season (along with the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental), but it won’t be easy.
In fact, it’s not even known whether Ancelotti will be the coach for that tournament, if an interim like Solari will take over, or if it will already be Xabi Alonso.