El Clasico is a type of match that always manages to get the most hype. It doesn’t matter if its a friendly or an unofficial match, it still goes down as a battle of glory. Yesterday’s El Clasico in Las Vegas ended up in a victory for Barcelona – all thanks to their new signing Raphinha.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have a rivalry that will go on forever. However the rivalry doesn’t only stays intact on the field, off the field is deadly as well. Whether its transfers, stadium renovations or sponsorships, the both clubs tend to get the better of each other.
Los Merengues VS The Catalans
Barca recently signed Raphinha from Leeds United and he’s proved lethal from them again yesterday. He got his debut goal in his debut match against Inter Miami through a very well placed volley. However, the headlines were all in for his exquisite goal against the Los Merengues. A mistake from Eder Militao gave the ball back to Raphinha in an offensive situation. He was in all kinds of space to drive a powerful shot against the best goalkeeper in the world, Thibaut Courtois. As expected, Raphinha slashed it past Courtois and even the 6’6 keeper couldn’t get to the right top corner in time.
Madrid was completely outplayed by Barca in the first half until the legendary duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were substituted on the field in the second half. They stabilised the link up play and Madrid was able to keep more of the ball but they couldn’t find the breakthrough. Carlo Ancelotti and his players did miss Karim Benzema upfront but he couldn’t play due to lack of training sessions. Another new signing by Barca, Robert Lewandowski (former FC Bayern Talisman), had a quiet evening too.
The Frenkie De Jong Saga
Yet again, Frenkie De Jong was the centre of attention. The Dutch midfielder is highly linked to the possibility of moving to Manchester United. The main delay in the transfer remains the player’s desire to play for Barcelona. Although Barcelona are looking to offload him as quickly as possible. They have a sort of negative economic situation around the club and they have already made 4 big signings. They are in dire need of money and De Jong gets involved in the economic disabilities.
De Jong wasn’t in the starting lineup yet again and saw the first 45 minutes of the match from the touchline. He came on in the second half and played in an unexpected position throughout the final whistle. He was seen playing as a Centreback – which is not his desired position.
All of these things may point towards his departure from Barcelona. De Jong and his agent are continuously working to find a way so the Dutch midfielder can stay but no success as of yet. However on the other side, Manchester United and its supporters are waiting tirelessly for his arrival in the city.