The Match which was tagged a Friendly obviously wasn't played as one by both clubs as it lacks the attribute of a friendly game but rather one with intensed Competition for Bragging rights.
Going into the First 45 Minutes, Head Coach of both sides, Carlo Ancelotti and Xavi Hernandez Fielded a strong starting Lineup that included a Couple of New Signings. Polish Striker, Robert Lewandowski was obviously the center of attention for the Blaugranas as he makes his debut for the team.
It was FC Barcelona who got the Lead in the 27th Minute through Another Summer Signing, Raphinha who Received the Ball on a platter of Gold after a Poor Clearance from Eder Militao and did well to Punish the Real Madrid Defender as he hits the Ball Ferociously into the Back of the Net Leaving Courtois With absolutely no Chance whatsoever to Save the Ball.
Both sides entertained the Crowd with end to end stuff as they aimed to add More Goals. Lewandowski came close to scoring a Debut Goal but saw his close Range shot well saved by Thibaut Courtois who went on to have a very busy Outing.
Madrid were inches Away from grabbing a Goal in the First half but saw a long Range shot Strike the Crossbar with Ter Stegen well Beaten.
Towards the End of the First Half, things got intensed after Rodrygo who was surging forward for an Equalizer was brought down close to FC Barcelona Territory by Jordi Alba. The Attacker wasn't happy with the tackle and was involved in a heated argument with Sergio Busquets which Almost led to a brawl with Rudiger and Araujo getting Physical.
The First half ended 1-0 in Favour of FC Barcelona.
As expected, the start of the Second Half Saw the introduction of Fresh Legs with almost all First Half players from both teams exiting the Field.
Apart from Change of Players, there was also a Noticeable change of Position for Frankie De Jong who was introduced in the second half. De Jong has made the headlines in recent weeks as there are a lot of Speculations surrounding his Future. EPL Club, Manchester United have Emerged as Favourites to Sign the Player but the Dutch Midfielder isn't willing to leave the Rebranded Spotify Camp Nou as he has made it clear severally that he doesn't want to leave but Barcelona are hoping to cash in on him as they expect him to Leave the club.
Frankie De Jong in the Game against Real Madrid Was deployed in an Unfamiliar Position. The Natural Midfielder was Played as a Center Back and this has sparked some reactions and Suspicion from a lot of people who feels Xavi's intention was to Frustrate De Jong out the Club why others sees it as a Tactical Change to help Calm Barcelona's Defense Crisis.
De Jong Performed Excellently well in the CB position as he was paired with Veteran Gerard Pique in that Position. De Jong made a couple of Tackles and also Surged Forward to help out in the attack on several Occasions.
Xavi Hernandez After the Game spoke on the decision to Play De Jong in the Center Back position while Also stating that he has had a conversation with the player which he kept secret.
"We’ve had private conversations that are very important, that I will not reveal here,’ Xavi said as reported by Tribuna
"He’s a key player, but then there’s the economic situation and Financial Fair Play."
"Playing as a centre-back, he can give us a lot, he can adapt to that position. We want that the centre-back distributes the ball and he does it very well.’ He concluded.
Considering the Depth of FC Barcelona's Midfield, Frankie De Jong who is gradually Falling off the the Pecking order May get to see himself used as a Center Back Frequently Next Season if he Chooses to remain at the Club.
The Match between Barcelona and Real Madrid eventually ended 1-Nil in Favour of FC Barcelona as no Goals were recorded in the second half and all thanks to the Quick Reflexes of Thibaut Courtois who prevented two clear-cut Chances From Ousmane Dembele From Going in towards the end of the Second Half.
0 Comments
Post a Comment