2010 El Clásico: A Match That FC Barcelona Will Remember in the Years Ahead

To say the least, one of the most anticipated matches of Spanish Football (Soccer) League (also known as La Liga BBVA) this year was the 2010 El Clásico that saw two formidable managers go up against each other with a stable of players that would daunt any football club manager anywhere in the world.

Yes, we're talking about Pep Guardiola (FC Barcelona) and Jose Mourinho (FC Real Madrid) who have both been known to win cups at an astonishing rate over the past few years. And with players like Kaka, Ronaldo, Messi, Iniesta and last but not the least, Xavi Hernandez gracing the field at the Camp Nou, there was no doubt that this would be a contest that would have gone down to the wire.

Instead, what the 2010 El Clásico offered was almost every Real Madrid player getting a yellow card while FC Barcelona kept their cool—while taking control of the game from the get go. It makes me wonder whether a team that looks so good on paper deserves to occupy the second spot in the League at all.

Great reflexes from Xavi and a superb finish by Pedro (helped by a napping Madrid defense) within minutes of each other put the home team two goals ahead in the first 45 plus 2 minutes, and while I sat there biting my nails anxiously waiting for Mr. Please-don't-call-me-arrogant-I'm-special to put his money where his mouth was—the second half could be considered as the biggest anti-climax of all.

Two more goals from David Villa made it 4-0 in Barca's favor while Bojan and the lesser-known Jeffren combined to slot one more goal home. And still no answer from the FC Real Madrid either.

And that was that! Barca moves to the top of the table after this comprehensive win (thanks to an atrocious loss to Hercules at the beginning of the season), while FC Real Madrid drops down to the number two spot (where they belong).

Highlights

Barca's through passes, one-twos and almost magical interceptions and finishes that showed that they were miles ahead of their arch-rivals. The repeated fiery skirmishes that makes professional football the most watched game on this planet. Busquets' clever free kick that had Casillas retracing his steps in the second-half.

Lowlights

Sergio Ramos throwing a tantrum and leaving the field in the dying moments of the game. No sympathy for him, whatsoever! Cristiano up to his on-field antics and coming up goalless anyway—with no luck for Messi who did make some brilliant through passes that can only come from the boots of a champion.

In closing, an almost dreamlike victory for Barca at the 2010 El Clásico. And yes, as for the record books, Barca still continues its winning streak making it the fifth year in a row that the El Clásico has swung in their favor against FC Real Madrid.

Go Barca! As always, Me's que un Club.