Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid: What happened in Vegas, everybody saw
The Catalans were dominant even though it was just Raphinha's screamer separating the teams
The American national anthem sounded out in Las Vegas like it did in Miami. ,Madrid fans were in the clear majority and then stands at least they had the advantage on Barcelona. The fans that were louder were Barcelona’s, though.
Real Madrid against Barcelona is a planetary event. The stadium was almost full and the game kicked off eight minutes late. Xavi sent a clear message with his team: against Real Madrid there are no friendlies, and Carlo Ancelotti did the same.
A few seconds into the game we knew the script. Barcelona on the attack and Madrid on the counter.
Two players who made it clear that they’re going to be essential this season were new Barça arrivals Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. The first played with his back to goal as if he had done all his life for the club while the Brazilian is pure electricity. His goal was sensational, a rocket into the top corner into the 27th minute.
Ansu Fati and Lewandowski had other clear chances. Barcelona‘s attack looks good for this season whereas Real Madrid found it hard to create too much danger apart from Vinicius Junior. Ronald Araujo did brilliantly to sprint back and defend against the winger. In defence Christensen and Eric Garcia were also hard for Madrid to beat.
There was a scrap between the various teams which didn’t end up in a brawl, but was at the point of doing so as tensions rose in the States. Rudiger and Araujo clashed as if it was Tyson vs Holyfield at Caesars Palace. Xavi and Ancelotti made several changes at the break but the game did not lose intensity, however Real Madrid did improve and Marco Asensio came close with an effort that was just off target. Pique came on and was booed, every time he touched the ball. Memphis created danger after robbing Lucas Vázquez and Barcelona looked increasingly good. Kessie was one on one with Courtois but his mind clouded and his shot was weak.
Ousmane Dembele had a chance and Thibaut Courtois made several saves towards the end, as Memphis, Dest and Nico also came close. Madrid were calling for the clock even though they were losing. What happened in Las Vegas everybody saw.
