"We could have scored even more" - Barcelona star makes bold comments after beating Real Madrid 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu
Barcelona star Inigo Martinez believes his side could have scored even more goals in their statement LaLiga win over rivals Real Madrid on Saturday (October 26). Barcelona were clinical on the day, scoring four goals without reply in the season's first El Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu.
One of the positives for Hansi Flick was the performance of the team's defense. Led by stars like Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, the Barca backline successfully kept Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Co. at bay throughout the 90 minutes.
Hansi Flick's side maintained a high defensive line, forcing Real Madrid's pacey frontmen to stray offside several times. Kylian Mbappe was a prime victim of the same, getting caught offside eight times in the game, the most in a game for a player over the last ten LaLiga seasons.
During a press interaction after the game, Inigo Martinez lavished praise on the team's performance. He believed Barcelona had the potential to score even more goals on Saturday. He said (as quoted by Barca Universal):
“After enduring a difficult first fifteen minutes, we recovered well in the first half, and in the second half, the goals came as we proved superior. We could have scored even more.”
Real Madrid players were flagged offside a whopping 12 times in the game (via Transfermarkt). Addressing the strategy of holding a high defensive line, Martinez added:
“We coordinate very well at the back, knowing exactly when to hold the line. Yes, there are risks involved, but sitting back against Madrid would be worse.”
The Spanish defender encouraged the Barca faithful to celebrate the statement win. However, he also stressed the team had to keep pushing forward to win LaLiga this season.
The 4-0 win against Real Madrid further cemented Barcelona's position atop the LaLiga table with 30 points in 11 games. Los Blancos, meanwhile, are second with 24.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on Barcelona's offside trap after the 4-0 loss in El Clasico
Barcelona have drawn a whopping 77 offside calls this season (via @statmusefc on X) - more than any other team among Europe's top five leagues. Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion take the second place with 35 - less than half of Barcelona.
Talking about this strategy after the game, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted that his team were aware of the tactic. However, they lacked accuracy during the match.
He said (as quoted by Madrid Universal):
“We knew they used the high line and we almost missed out. He [Kylian Mbappe] had chances and sometimes he was offside.”
Talking about Los Blancos' missed chances, the Italian tactician added:
"But he had three or four chances where he needed more accuracy. Something happened with the assistant, not with Flick. He wasn’t a great player.”
In the 31st minute of the match, a Kylian Mbappe goal was flagged offside by VAR. The French superstar had already started celebrating with the fans when a quick replay confirmed that his shoulder and leg had strayed offside during the buildup. The scoreline was reverted to 0-0.