I have.... mixed feelings.

On one hand, we had a great second half. Neymar goal was our fault. We shouldn't have let Iniesta in all that space anyways. He should've been stopped. But he pulled off a slick pass, and Neymar a neat (if lucky) finish.

Alexis goal was... just incredible. Can't do anything about that.

Jese's goal was great, but if only we could've pulled off more of those breaks during the match, it would've been a draw for us. We just lacked the midfield presence to HOLD the play and play the passes (someone like Isco, or Ozil).

Tactically, Barca didn't seem to have any problems at all, but we can't use Bale on the RW. He doesn't seem comfortable with his back to the goal. Ronaldo seemed fine on the RW, so maybe Bale in LW and Morata in striker woud've been a smarter move from Ancelotti.

Ramos in DM was an interesting idea, but his stupidity in shoving Neymar led to him being booked, and forced to be less aggressive. Illarra was absolutely fantastic after he came on in place of Ramos, so maybe the Illarra-Modric combo would be better for us.

And without that recognized playmaker on the field, both Bale and Ronaldo seemed rather lost, and had to go back deep to get the ball. Isco was sorely missed.

Man of the Match would undoubtedly go to Neymar. One goal and one assist on his debut Clasico. We saw little of Messi and Ronaldo this match. Illarra and Carvajal both had a better Clasico debut than Bale, who was out of position for the most part.

Anyways, that's my thoughts. Result seemed fair enough, although I'm still questioning whether Mascherano's shove would've been a penalty or not, and how Ramos and Messi got away without bookings (a second yellow for Ramos).

Forgot to throw in that Ronaldo put in quite a bit of defensive work today. It was an admirable sight. Definitely helped contain Messi and Xavi, of whom the latter was quite invisible throughout the match.

Without Mou this was a way better game all around. Barca had a great first half and I would give my MOTM to Valdes. Real Madrid lacked Ozil or Isco. Bale was not up to the standard.

^ That's true. But Ancelotti still needs to get that attitude out of Pepe and Ramos. They're both still too rough.

Do you have any complaints about the Ronaldo penalty not given? I didn't see it clearly but it kind of looked like a penalty to me. If it was a clear penalty I would just see it as karma for diving last week against Juventus.

I saw Bale's face after he was subbed off and I could tell that he is starting to feel a real sense of insecurity. He saw his rival debut counterpart shine for half the price and his team lose. If he shone a little this game he would have relieved some pressure, but not, the pressure is truly on Bale.

What was appealing to me is that Messi was put in his first position RW, and he helped defensively a lot more instead of waiting for his team to get the ball back and attack. Cesc was put in the middle instead and I don't know how I feel about this. I would rather see Messi in the middle conserving his energy and where he touches the ball a lot more and is a lot more lethal. He can create very fast 1-2's and link up plays with Neymar on the left and Sanchez on the right that Cesc can't do. Messi on the right barely touched the ball.

Valdes was great this game, shutting up the haters once again.

Our defense need's a more solid CB and full back. Our CB's make too many dangerous last minute challenges in a normal situation. For example, Mascherano would just slide tackle at any given time even though he doesn't have to, and when he does he leaves a lot more space open. Our full-backs are too attacking minded and leave us prone to counter attacks. We don't really need both Adriano/Alba and Dani Alves running up after every attack. The pressure from our midfield and attack is enough.

Real Madrid just need to find that balance that Ozil provided between midfield and attack, and to deal with that striker situation. Also, Illaramendi or Modric is NO Xabi Alonso, not even close. That man was GREATLY missed this match for you guys.

My analyse ?

Its not because he is Ronaldo he will always get PK easily, the only thing im sure that the fall was exagerated.

@tdot

I completely agree with you. I would care more for the penalty if Ronaldo didn't make such a big fuss about Chielini's challenge. Mascherano's challenge was from behind, and a clear shove. It was a clear penalty. But karma hit Ronaldo harder than Mascherano did.

Bale is starting to realize that his "dream move" to Madrid isn't planning out like it was supposed to be. He is nowhere near as fit as Neymar, and doesn't have the playing time or stats either.

Cesc is great at finding space and coming in from deep, but he is not QUICK. To be the false nine, you have to be quick like Messi, Sanchez, or Neymar. Cesc would make a perfect AM, but Barca doesn't use one. Messi would've been better starting off centrally, with Alexis on the right.

And I think that Illarra can cover up for Alonso. He did a great job today, and just needs more experience. Otherwise, they're just about identical.

@ tiki_taka

The angle you display that GIF in flatters Mascherano. It doesn't even show the challenge. Here is a better view.

Ronaldo didn't even see Mascherano coming. His eyes were straight on the ball. If this was Neymar being fouled by Ramos, you would be complaining about how dirty Ramos is for shoving from behind.

@dynast i think my view describe exactly what happened, small contact but Ronaldo exagerated, so i understand that the ref didnt whistle.
The ref was coherent as he didnt give Fabregas a PK too.
Im not saying its dive, but its not a clear PK as all RM are claiming.

BS tiki_taka that was a clear penalty. Brilliant goal by Sanchez though. Real Madrid were all over but that ref's pk decision was a match changer.

That was definitely a PK, but Madrid didn't turn up at all in the first half so Barca deserved to win.

Ok but how about Fabregas PK ? their was a contact too.Nevermind....

That was the best chance to equalize.

2 wrongs don't make a right. Refereeing in La Liga has been terrible this year. That just sums up Benzemas luck this year. Cant score even with a screamer.

The Cheat Sheet of Clasico Barca -Real (2-1) : Tata and Carlo are taken for Pep and Jose

When Clasico (2-1) , coach of Barca and Real have wanted to emulate their illustrious predecessors . They had to reconsider their plans. Our cheat sheet .

THE GAME : Should not deny !

That is , it seems, in the old pots you make the best soups. If the adage is true, do not beat around the bush : the tambouilles Tata Martino and Carlo Ancelotti are not worth their predecessors . Paste Lionel Messi to the sideline , raise a central defender to play the big guys in the middle, these are recipes grandmother. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have beautiful be the initiators , they are outdated . Develop: in its articulation , in its implementation , the 4-3-3 Tata Martino resembled nothing so much as that of Pep Guardiola ... 2008-2009. It's time ! Except that since Messi has deserted the right flank and a detail , has emerged as the best footballer on the planet. Playing where? Everywhere. In the axis in such a wide area that walks between the opposing surface and the center circle . But certainly not as bulky chalk seen to Saturday for an hour

Ancelotti s plan was limit absurd,Ramos in the middle, posted to the central defenders, as if Mourinho put Pepe watchdog. Note , the Portuguese tried . At the time, this strategy says much about his willingness to put the Clasico in the field of physical impact on his refusal to play . At the time , Mou had implicitly recognized the blaugrana superiority. Saturday, Ancelotti has fallen into the same trap . Densifying the midfield, depriving themselves of a creator and a real edge , Carlo wanted to divert Barca. Result: he confused his own team. Real went through the first period like a shadow. It existed only in the second half, with successive entries Illaramendi , Benzema and Jesé . Ancelotti reassures : Barcelona 's sidekick was also planted . But like him, he had the insight to recant his initial choice. Launching Alexis Sanchez and Pedro , Martino has given freedom to Messi. It is precisely in the last twenty minutes Barça was the most seductive .

PLAYERS : Messi and Ronaldo were beside their pumps

When scoring in his first Clasico , is that necessarily a successful effect. So frankly : Neymar scored his purpose. The Brazilian could pass through . Being paralyzed at the idea of ​​measuring the intensity of a Barca -Real . Instead , he was one of the protagonists . Beyond its purpose , the former Santos player regaled the Camp Nou. Its charms (sometimes unnecessary ) , its speed and its activity, incessant . While Messi played walking and missing address on his only opportunity (21st ) .

Fortunately for Barca , Iniesta radiated in the middle, giving caviar after caviar. And Victor Valdes had warm gloves : Catalan goalkeeper out all the stops when needed . For example, before Khedira (43 ' ) and Ronaldo ( 58 ) . CR7 , speaking of him , was too long off topic. As all Real, he had a burst in the second period , when Carlo stopped making Mourinho. The former Manchester United is a smuggler on purpose late , Jesé . And Gareth Bale , anyway? In a word : non-existent.

THE STAT : 0

Proof that Ronaldo was really out of his mind until the break , the Portuguese has not fired any hits in the first period . This discretion is rare enough to be underlined . So rare , indeed, that that he had never arrived in La Liga . Ever since he arrived in Madrid in 2009.

The turning point that has not occurred

Karim Benzema has graced the Camp Nou in the last ten minutes. French is the 20 meters, solid shaft , facing the Catalan goal. It arms the right foot. Typing is tense as i . It crashes on the section of Victor Valdes . Damage to the Real: at this moment , Barca had not yet made ​​the break . Too bad for Benzema . In La Liga, he is silent for two months.

QUESTION : Is Barça already champion?

Question in these terms on October 26 after only ten days Liga , it may seem premature. After all , there are still 84 points up for grabs , right? Real has plenty of time to fill his six points behind . A priori, because it is a constant for several seasons , the king of the Clasico is often the future King of La Liga. Pocketing the first leg , Barca is not yet guaranteed to succeed himself. But he took an option , but not the final accounting , gives a real psychological advantage . To put it another way , Saturday, the Blaugrana have not won their 23rd crown. They simply rejected a suitor . Their main competitor ? Not sure. This season , the true rival of the Barca still resides in Madrid. But he is not wearing a tunic merengue , flocked symbol of royalty. He wears the red and white jersey Atletico .

By EurosportAnalysis.

The PK call on Ronaldo was so obvious. Should have been red card for Mascherano and PK for RM. The foul on Fabregas was just as obvious. And Ramos and Pepe should have both been sent off. And plenty of other things.
Both teams got screwed over by the ref who had one of the worst ref performances I've ever seen.

Re: Mascherano on Ronaldo: Now, see, THAT was a penalty. ;)