Real Madrid were dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of the La Liga title on Sunday as they fell to a 3-2 defeat in the hands of Barcelona in the El Classico.
Zinedine Zidane’s side were expected to get the better of the Catalan giants on the night and started in fine fashion, as Casemiro opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half.
But Argentine hitman Lionel Messi came up with a superb goal to put Barcelona back on level terms heading into half-time.
Real Madrid came out strongly in the second half but a stunning goal from Ivan Rakitic from outside the box gave Barcelona the lead that almost settled the game.
Zidane’s side were down to 10 men just minutes after the goal as Spanish defender Sergio Ramos put in a two-footed challenge on Lionel Messi at the half-way line, which saw the referee pull out a straight red.
However, Real Madrid did not give up and Zidane’s substitute James Rodriguez brought them back on level terms with less than four minutes to play.
With the Bernabeu chirping around for a point, Lionel Messi was at it yet again as he produced a sublime shot to beat Keylor Navas, who had an incredible night till then, at the near post to send Barcelona home.
Luis Enrique’s side managed to climb to the top of the table with this victory but Real Madrid still have a game in hand and are still favourites to win the La Liga title claims one Marcelo.
The Brazilian full-back did not have the greatest games on the night but he was quick to point out that it is not all over.
Speaking to the media after the game, Marcelo felt that things could have gone differently and that his side can keep their heads held high.
“Everyone expects a lot of things from El Clasico,” said Marcelo.
“We’ve done everything we could to win and even draw with a player less, but we conceded a goal at the end.
“We did a great job and we go away with our heads held high. We’re well placed in two competitions and we’ll keep working as we were before. This defeat does not make us inferior,” he added.
However, he was quick to point out that the La Liga race is not over and that his side has what it takes to rise back from such a defeat.
“In the end, some mistakes and small details have made the difference, not just the counter-attack.”
“I don’t give my opinion on referees, although a sending off affects a team because it leaves you with one less player.
“We don’t get carried away when we win and we won’t get down after a defeat,” Marcelo added.
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