Despite trailing and being a man down late in the game, Real Madrid managed to turn the game around and end Barcelona’s 39-game winning streak at home. This result brings them within 7 points to the top of the table. Los Blancos’ amazing second half resurgence was too much for Barcelona but they are still favorites to win the league.
Match Summary
Bookings were not lacking in the match as Sergio Ramos was first to be in the referee’s notebook by reacting rather poorly to a call then Suarez removed himself from Barca’s next game in the 27th minute, thanks to a spinning back fist to the face of Pepe. He earned a yellow card, his fifth of the season in La Liga.
The second half didn’t start much differently than the first. Barcelona would score off the on their first second half corner kick. Pique lost Pepe, who got caught behind another player, and connected with a header that was impossible for Keylor Navas to save.
Real Madrid then retaliated, with their 62nd minute equalizer from a brilliant lengthy run and pass out by Marcelo to the right flank for Toni Kroos. His cross was deflected, but it fell right to Benzema, who hit a memorable jumping scissor kick into the back of the net.
On the 81st minute, Bale thought he was robbed of a goal which can be highly contested. The next few moments unlucky for Madrid with Ronaldo hitting the crossbar, then Ramos picked up his second yellow card to add to his La Liga record for red cards in a career. In the dying moments, Madrid fought their way to victory, thanks to Bale’s cross and Ronaldo’s finish in the 85th minute, A truly remarkable finish to an equally fantastic game.
Absentees/Suspended
Rafael Varane and Jeremy Matheiu were not present as both were injured from their last game for France. A Calf Injury for the former and the later recovering from a MCL operation. Luis Suarez and Sergio Ramos in turn, are suspended on their next game for red cards.
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