Real Madrid survived this season’s first “El Clasico” courtesy a late goal from Sergio Ramos, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Suarez scored the first goal for host Barcelona at 53 minutes which was answered by Madrid’s Ramos on 90 minutes.
Before the kick-off, both the teams held an emotional moment of silence for the recent Chapecoense tragedy, where 19-members of Chapecoense football team tragically died in a plane crash.
The match began with full of excitement. It was just the second minute of the match, Madrid claimed a penalty after Barcelona defender Mascherano tussled with Madrid right-winger Lucas Vazquez, which forced Vazquez to fall down. But referee showed no interest.
In the first half, the ground looked quite uncomfortable sometimes as several players slipped down.
The first genuine attack of the match came from Barcelona at the 10th minute. After slipped down, Neymar was still able to produce a cross to fellow Sergi Roberto, whose shot was blocked by the Real’s center-back Sergio Ramos with his chest.
Madrid attacking midfielder Isco faced the first booking of the match only 13 minutes after the start.
Messi took the first free-kick in the 18th minute which was safely deflected by Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Before the break it was Real Madrid who looked the better team unleashing several counter attacks.
However, two back-to-back attacks from Ronaldo at 37 and 38 minutes were easily saved by the hosts’ goalkeeper.
In the first 45 minutes, the best chance for Real Madrid came just before the half-time. Benzema’s dangerous cross Pique saved in the 43rd minute by blocking the ball.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the first half.
Just at the beginning of the second half, Barcelona’s dangerous attack was blocked by Isco in a crucial stage of the high-octane clash.
The hosts ultimately broke the deadlock from a free-kick at 53 minutes. Suarez just touched his head to Neymar’s crossed free-kick which found the back of the net without giving any chance to Madrid goalkeeper.
At the 59 minutes, Ronaldo delivered a good ball to Benzema but a slight late reaction from the Frenchman helped the well-observer Jordi Alba to snatch the ball from the dangerous area.
After Iniesta came on the field replacing Rakitic at 60 minutes, Barcelona was looking very comfortable and fierce over the visitors.
Neymar had a good chance to make 2-0 for the hosts at 68 minutes. Iniesta produced a good pass to Neymar, with which Neymar invaded into the visitors’ box. After beating Carvajal, Neymar was looking favourite to beat Navas but the Brazilian disappointedly shot over the box.
In the very next minute, Iniesta attacked into the visitors’ penalty box and took a low shot which was safely put outside the box by Carvajal’s foot.
Two minutes later, Messi and Neymar’s wonderful one-two once again put pressure into the visitors’ box but Varane’s great blocking made survival for the visitors.
In the 82 minutes, Messi had a good chance to score after receiving a fine through ball from Iniesta but Messi failed to put the ball on target.
At 87 minutes, Sergio Ramos picked a cross from Carvajal and made header which ran just over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, Marcelo’s cross found Ronaldo at the back post whose header went down onto Alba’s leg which helped to clear that danger moment.
On the 90 minutes, Real Madrid finally snatched the moment after Ramos equalised the scoreline through header. Ramos once again used a header from Luka Modric’s set piece cross which finally entered into the goal.
The late drama continued till the very last moment as Barcelona almost snatched a goal in the final minute. Sergi Roberto’s brilliant header beat the goalkeeper and was flying onto the net, but Casemiro’s header just infront 0f the goal-line finally cleared that danger.
After few moments, the referee whistled for the last time in the match as the first Clasico of the season ended in a 1-1 draw.
Real Madrid (34 points) is now leading the La Liga table with 6 points ahead of second placed Barcelona (28 points).