Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski powers Blaugrana to shocking El Clasico win with two goals against Los Blancos | La Liga 2024-25
Barcelona stunned Real Madrid with a 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in their first El Clasico clash of the season (October 26). It was fascinating, with both sides playing a free, direct game in their search for goals.
Real Madrid were constantly getting caught offside by Barcelona's high line, but they continued to take advantage of this, knocking on the door regularly. Kylian Mbappe eventually found the net with a brilliant chip with 30 minutes on the clock, but after a check by VAR, his first El Clasico goal was ruled out for offside.
The first 45 minutes saw Los Blancos offside eight times, with Barca straying offside just once. Passes were few and far between, with Madrid making 114 passes (73% accuracy), while Barca had 184 passes (82% accuracy). While the hosts had just one shot at goal, their visitors had six, with two on target.
Things turned on its head in the second half, as Barcelona took control of the proceedings in the Santiago Bernabeu. They continued to catch Real Madrid offside, with another four calls coming in the latter 45 minutes, while they found the target through Robert Lewandowski.
Los Blancos opted for a high line, and the Blaugrana punished them ruthlessly for it. Marc Casado played Lewandowski through on goal, and the Polish marksman drove a low ball beyond Andriy Lunin's outstretched glove. The goal came in the 54th minute, and it was just the start of Madrid's troubles.
Just two minutes later (56'), Lewandowski found the net again, and this time, it was with a brilliant header after Alejandro Balde found him unmarked in the box. Real Madrid could not find an answer to the threat of Barcelona's attack, and they could do little in attack themselves.
Lamine Yamal found the net in the 77th minute with a powerful shot into the roof of the net, and in the 84th minute, Raphinha completed the rout in the 84th minute. On another day, the scoreline might have been bigger on another day, as the Blaugrana missed three big chances. Madrid had four big chances and they missed all four, as they floundered when it mattered most.
Here are Barcelona's player ratings after 4-0 win at Real Madrid's home
Inaki Pena - 7/10
The goalkeeper seemed to struggle with his passing at times, misplacing seven, but he grew into the game, making four brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet against Madrid.
Jules Kounde - 7/10
Jules Kounde had to face Vinicius Junior on his flank, and he did an impressive job of keeping the Brazilian talent quiet. He won five duels, two tackles, and made nine defensive actions.
Pau Cubarsi - 7/10
The 17-year-old centre-back showed his maturity with his performance against Real Madrid. The Barcelona prodigy won three duels, made seven defensive actions, and helped to recycle possession with 43 passes (91% accuracy).
Inigo Martinez - 8/10
The 33-year-old was world-class on the night, providing an assist in the game with a long-range pass for Raphinha. He was important at the back, winning six duels and making another six defensive actions.
Alejandro Balde - 8/10
Balde marauding down the left flank was important to Barcelona's style of play, as he provided an important assist for Lewandowski's second goal. He won three duels and made two interceptions to keep Real Madrid at bay.
Marc Casado - 8/10
Casado took advantage of Real Madrid's high line in the second half, providing the assist that opened the scoring. He was important in the midfield battle, making ten defensive actions and winning five duels.
Pedri - 8/10
In a game that was unpredictable at times, especially in the first half, Pedri maintained control in the middle of the park. Only five passes went awry, with 53 finding their target. Defensively, he was vital, winning three duels.
Fermin Lopez - 5/10
Although he was expected to be the playmaker on the day, Fermin Lopez struggled, making only seven passes in the first half. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick hauled him off at half-time after his performance, as he lost six duels.
Raphinha - 9/10
A goal and an assist for Raphinha sealed a perfect night for the Brazilian winger. He scored a delightful chip that had Real Madrid players chasing after a ball slowly bouncing into the goal. This came after he set Yamal up perfectly with an assist.
Lamine Yamal - 8/10
On a night when he might have gotten an assist, thanks to his brilliant passing, Yamal was unstoppable. His all-round performance was finally rewarded with a well-deserved spot on the scoresheet as he caused problems for Real Madrid's defense with three chances created.
Robert Lewandowski - 9/10
It was a brilliant brace from Robert Lewandoski, who put the sword to Real Madrid's defense with two quick-fire goals. However, he had two other big chances that he might have scored on another day.
Substitutes
Frenkie de Jong - 7/10
He came on in the 45th minute and misplaced just one pass, with a 97% passing accuracy. He helped to move the ball for Barcelona efficiently, making 35 passes in 38 touches.
Dani Olmo - 6/10
He spent 25 minute on the pitch and struggled at times, losing four duels and winning none. However, his passes were quite accurate.
Gavi - N/A
Spent too little time on the pitch.