Real Madrid

Real Madrid were handed their first loss of the season on Monday. But there are plenty of matches still to be played and the championship is as open as it was prior to the visit to the Camp Nou.

Monday's Clasico started at a frantic pace. Barcelona controlled the ball early and made it clear they were playing on their home turf. Only nine minutes in, Xavi scored the opener following a combination with Iniesta. Madrid responded immediately and Di Maria put Valdes to the test. Cristiano Ronaldo had a go shortly thereafter but was stymied by Abidal.

Just when it appeared Madrid were hitting their stride, Barcelona struck again by way of Pedro, who fired home following a cross by Villa. The Whites continued looking to cut into the lead, and on 38’ Cristiano was fouled inside the box by Valdes as the two battled for a ball, but the referee failed to award the spot kick.

Ozil was replaced by Lass at the restart as Mourinho hoped for more possession of the ball, but ten minutes in Villa made it 3-0 in a clear offside position. The goal sank Madrid, who three minutes later conceded another to Villa.

The Whites continued to play hard with the match all but in the books, but everything went Barcelona’s way. The hosts managed a fifth and final goal in injury time, but things didn't end there. Sergio Ramos was sent off after a tackle on Messi and a confrontation between players from both sides ensued.

All Real Madrid can do is turn their sights towards next Saturday’s match against Valencia. There is no sense in lamenting the painful defeat. Of 20 official matches played, it is the first loss suffered by Mourinho and company. If there is any team capable of picking itself up it is this Real Madrid.

Lineups

Barcelona
Víctor Valdés
Dani Alves
Piqué
Puyol
Abidal
Busquets
Iniesta
Xavi	Goal 10'
Keita 89'
Messi
Pedro	Goal 18'
Jeffren 89'	Goal 93'
Villa	Goal 57' 60'
Bojan 78'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Pepe
Ricardo Carvalho
Marcelo
Arbeloa 62'
Sergio Ramos
Khedira
Xabi Alonso
Özil
Lassana Diarra 47'
Di María
Cristiano Ronaldo
Benzema