WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona delivered yet another sensational performance as they thrashed arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-0 in the season’s first El Clasico on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Robert Lewandowski netted a brace while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha scored a goal each as the Catalan giants came away with the spoils. After Raphinha grabbed the visitors’ fourth goal, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti was seen sharing a heated conversation with his counterpart Flick.
WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID
At his post-match press conference, the German manager was asked about this altercation, to which he replied, “I haven’t seen it. I’ve spoken to him, but it’s a normal situation. We celebrated the goal. We’re adults enough to talk about them.”
Ancelotti had earlier clarified that he was displeased by one of Flick’s assistant’s celebrations rather than the Barcelona head coach himself, saying, “I had an issue with the assistant, not with Flick. The assistant behaved in an ungentlemanly manner celebrating in front of our bench. I said that quite normally to Flick and he agreed.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barcelona capped off an outstanding week having scored eight goals against two of the finest teams in Europe, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Raphinha played a major part in their success in what could have been two difficult outings with four goals himself, including a hat-trick against the Bundesliga giants in the Champions League.
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
La Blaugrana, who now have a six-point lead over their rivals at the top of the table, will next take on city rivals Espanyol in La Liga on November 3. Real Madrid, meanwhile, travel to Valencia a day earlier.