The turning point arrived in the 15th minute, as Dembele orchestrated a remarkable play for Barcelona. Precisely directed by Pedri, Dembele delivered a precision cross that left goalkeeper Courtois helpless, resulting in a tight finish and Barcelona taking the lead at 1-0.
Despite Real Madrid’s strong efforts, they were far from being outplayed by Barcelona. In fact, during the first half, Real Madrid managed to create more scoring opportunities than their opponents. However, luck was not on their side, with excellent goalkeeping from Ter Stegen and the woodwork denying them multiple times. A highlight moment was Vinicius hitting the crossbar from an 11-meter spot-kick in the 20th minute.
As the second half kicked off, Real Madrid continued their pursuit of a goal. The team generated several chances similar to those in the first 45 minutes. Yet, the pattern remained unchanged, as they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The inefficiency of Real’s forward line evoked memories of Karim Benzema’s prolific days.
In contrast, Barcelona displayed their prowess by efficiently capitalizing on the chances that came their way. Towards the end of the match, they secured two more goals, with Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres finding the net in the 85th minute and 90+1, respectively, solidifying a convincing 3-0 victory.
Meanwhile, the absence of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in Real Madrid’s starting lineup against Barcelona raised eyebrows. These two midfield stalwarts, pivotal in the team’s success over the past decade, were notably absent on Saturday night. Speculation arose from Diario AS, suggesting that both Modric and Kroos could assume the roles of squad players under Carlo Ancelotti’s management for the upcoming season.
Aged 37 and 33, Modric and Kroos are not young rookies anymore. In comparison to emerging talents like Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and new signing Jude Bellingham, they might not possess the same level of physical endurance. Despite the potential shift in their roles as regular starters, Modric and Kroos are poised to play significant roles for Real Madrid in the 2023-24 campaign. Their influence will extend beyond the pitch, encompassing leadership, mentoring, and crucial moments, particularly in high-stakes matches.
As the winds of change sweep through Real Madrid, Modric and Kroos remain essential figures. While a new era might be on the horizon, there’s no denying their enduring importance under Ancelotti’s guidance.
