Neymar powers Barca over Real
Print Edition
Neymar stole the limelight from Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale with a goal and an assist as Barcelona secured a 2-1 win over bitter rival Real Madrid in Saturday’s La Liga ‘Clasico’ at the Nou Camp.
In a match watched by millions of people around the world, Barcelona landed an early blow in the title race thanks to the Brazilian’s clinical 19th-minute finish and a sublime chip from substitute Alexis Sanchez 11 minutes from time.
Jese came off the bench to pull a goal back in the first minute of added time but it was little more than a consolation for Real, which was outplayed for long periods and slips six points behind the champion with 10 matches played.
After a predictably cagey start with few chances in the 167th league meeting between the world’s two richest clubs by income, Neymar opened the scoring when he collected the ball from Andres Iniesta on the left of the penalty area.
Cutting inside on to his right foot, his low shot was slightly deflected by Real fullback Dani Carvajal before zipping past goalkeeper Diego Lopez into the far corner of the net.
Real battled after the break and Karim Benzema, who replaced world-record signing Bale on the hour, smashed a shot against the bar before Alexis scored with an exquisite chip over Lopez from just outside the area after being played through by Neymar.
“I am very happy to score such a special goal but above all for the three points,” Neymar told Spanish television broadcaster Canal Plus.
“It was very exciting to score in a match that all players want to be a part of,” added the 21-year-old, bought from Santos for 57 million euros (US$79 million) in the close season.
Unbeaten Barcelona’s victory, its ninth in the league this season, puts it on 28 points ahead of Real, which is third, at the top of the standings.
Second-placed Atletico Madrid is four points behind Barcelona before its game at home to Real Betis yesterday.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti surprisingly opted to start 100-million euro Bale for just the second time but the Welshman struggled to make an impression as Barcelona dominated the first half.
Real, though, was left less than happy with the performance of referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco who turned down two penalty claims with the score at 1-0.
“The team have shown face against a very difficult opponent,” said captain Sergio Ramos. “We have put Barcelona in difficulty, it is not easy to see them waste time, but there were two clear penalties.”
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