Five star Barcelona destroy Real Madrid in ‘El Clasico’

Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid

The most eagerly anticipated football match in many a year turned into an exhibition as Barcelona destroyed close rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan club scored five goals without reply in a one-sided encounter that threatened to turn nasty on numerous occasions.

Pep Guardiola’s side were in control from the start and took the lead as early as the tenth minute when Xavi took a pass from Andres Iniesta and lobbed the ball over Iker Casillas from close range.

The hosts doubled their lead eight minutes later, when Pedro tapped in from close range from David Villa’s cross after Xavi found the Spanish striker on the left wing with a sweeping crossfield pass.

The much hyped battle between the world’s best players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to materialise, as while Messi was involved in most of Barcelona’s attacks, Ronaldo was a bit part player throughout.

In fact, his most memorable contribution was a push on Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola on the touchline, which caused tempers to flare on both sides.

Barcelona retained their two goal lead until half time and put the game beyond doubt nine minutes into the second half when Messi released David Villa, who tucked the ball past Casillas to make it 3-0.

The pair combined again three minutes later and once again Villa made no mistake, sticking the ball through Casillas’ legs to send the home fans into raptures.

With the game over and over half an hour left to play, Barcelona kept the ball to cheers from the Nou Camp faithful and numerous flashpoints occurred as a result of some questionable Madrid tackles, with Messi subject to some particularly rough treatment.

Substitute Jeffren piled on the misery for Jose Mourinho and the Madrid side when he slotted home Barcelona’s fifth goal on the stroke of full time after fellow replacement Bojan had squared the ball from the right wing.

With time almost up, Real defender Sergio Ramos was dismissed for a blatant kick at Messi, which he followed up by pushing Barcelona captain and Spain teammate Carles Puyol in the face.

The win was Barcelona’s fifth consecutive victory in this fixture and saw the Catalan club go two points clear of Real at the top of the La Liga table.