Barcelona Flawed Even in Clasico Win, but Still No Chance Real Madrid Sell Bale

Considering it is the biggest league match in the world bar none, it is not surprising every Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid has consequences. Last Sunday’s clash has been no exception to the rule.

But what did we learn from the game?

The most noticeable thing is this is a Barcelona looking to play a different game, one that benefits its forwards but certainly not the midfield.

I’ve always been of the opinion the true essence of football emanates from midfield, but the fact is if you have really good forwards—and Barcelona certainly have that—they can and frequently do win games for you single-handedly.

What it does mean, however, is that as a result of a great reliance on forward prowess, you are very often less able to control games as you would wish and, while Luis Enrique sets his stall out for quick transitions, that level of control that has for so long been the Barcelona trademark will be difficult to obtain.

On Sunday he certainly came closer to getting it, particularly with the introduction of Xavi and Sergio Busquets in the latter stages, but he never really fully had it against Manchester City either.

But when you have three forwards going mano a mano with three defenders, it’s normal to want to concentrate on attack because you will always feel confident in scoring.

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Barcelona can also point to recent results; Real Madrid was the biggest test to date, so Enrique will feel his philosophy has been justified and his tactical approach vindicated.

I’m not so sure, and like former Real general manager Jorge Valdano said recently, I feel this is potentially a Barcelona side that could well struggle against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals. The result against Real Madrid was great, but the performance was merely good.

I firmly believe this Barcelona side is overexposed, overstretched. Results may well talk, but I’m fairly sure I’m not alone in thinking many of their fans would feel happier if they sensed this was a side with more control over its destiny.

Having talked about Barcelona’s forward firepower with the likes of Leo Messi almost single-handedly destroying Manchester City, another consequence is the realisation that Neymar has to improve.

The Brazilian has scored twice in the past seven games, and that is not a good enough return for a player of his quality and reputation—a player who would like to be considered at the same level as the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Quite simply, right now he isn’t.

On the plus side, however, what this Clasico revealed was a Gerard Pique back to his very best following an outstanding display at the back, alongside a similarly excellent Jeremy Mathieu. For Pique, it is just reward for the extra effort and attention he has put back into his game.

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And what of the consequences for Real Madrid?

Not surprisingly most attention is now turning to the fate of Carlo Ancelotti, who has now seen his side lose six league games and hasn’t managed a single victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the six times they have met this season.

Let’s see what happens when their paths cross in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. One thing is for sure; Florentino Perez is certainly accumulating enough reasons why he should get rid of Ancelotti this summer, even though the Italian coach has another year left on his contract.

It was all going so well for Los Blancos until they conceded the second goal after which, for the last third of the match, they effectively capitulated both physically and mentally.

Mental strength and resolve was the order of the day from their stars like Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but nothing was forthcoming, and even Karim Benzema, who had been excellent up until then, also effectively disappeared as Barcelona went into cruise control to close out the game.

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As disappointing as this might be for Ancelotti’s men, talk of the league being done and dusted is premature, and two draws for Barcelona against two victories for Real Madrid would put them right back in it.

Luka Modric is back, and for a little under an hour, the visitors looked more than a match for los Cules. Let’s not forget, either, the head-to-head advantage should they finish the season level on points is with the boys from the Bernabeu.

There is talk in some circles this could be the last season for Ronaldo and Bale, except Ronaldo still has much to offer the club and Bale has always been a very important part of Florentino Perez’s business plan.

There are zero chances of Bale or Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid this season. That's right—absolutely none!

But Bale, like Neymar, must improve, and for the last month-and-a-half, he has been working hard to that end, with extra training sessions with Paul Clement designed to sharpen him up and make him understand just what is actually required of him.

Maybe he could immerse himself a little more in the city and its culture, but that will come with time.

This season is not finished yet, not by a long chalk.