Barcelona came out on top in a brilliantly topsy-turvy Clasico.
Carlo Ancelotti named his expected starting XI.
Gerardo Martino selected Neymar rather than Pedro Rodriguez or Alexis Sanchez as his second forward, and continued with Andres Iniesta tucking inside from the left, as he’s often done in big games.
This was the most fast-paced game you’ll see...
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Despite Real’s early lead, Atletico dominated the first half – but tiredness caught up with them.
Diego Simeone decided to leave David Villa on the bench, using Raul Garcia as a number ten.
Carlo Ancelotti continued with the midfield and defence that had thrashed Schalke, but went for cautious options at full-back.
This was a standard Madrid...
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Barcelona suffered their first home defeat of the season, to a Valencia side who had the third-worst away record in La Liga.
Tata Martino rested Andres Iniesta, and is still without Neymar.
Valencia had a busy few days in the transfer window – mainly with players departing. Helder Postiga, Ever Banega and Andres Guardado have all...
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La Liga’s top of the table clash was intense and intriguing, but ultimately goalless.
Diego Simeone named his expected side, with right-back Juanfran available after his suspension was overturned.
Despite Lionel Messi’s return in midweek against Getafe, he wasn’t risked from the start – he joined Neymar on the bench, and Cesc Fabregas played as the...
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Both managers made surprise selection decisions upfront, but Barcelona’s line-up worked better.
Gerardo Martino left out both Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez, naming Cesc Fabregas as one of his three attackers.
Carlo Ancelotti omitted Karim Benzema and brought Gareth Bale into the side. Daniel Carvajal started at right-back, and three nominal three centre-backs were used: Pepe,...
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