In the football world, the Spanish National Derby is undoubtedly the focus of attention of all the people in the battle, in which, Real Madrid and Barcelona's battle, as across the century's legendary duel, not only represents the highest level of Spanish soccer, but also a pivotal battle in the European arena.
This Real Madrid versus Barcelona match is much more than a soccer competition; it is also intertwined with multiple complex elements such as ethnicity and culture. In just 90 minutes, the soccer match incorporates many elements beyond sports. Barcelona, the largest port city in Spain and capital of Catalonia, has deep differences with the Spanish authorities on political issues. A victory over the team from the capital, Madrid, is therefore not just a win for many Catalans, but a psychological balancing act. It is these tangled histories, combined with star-studded teams and magnificent stadiums, that make every national derby a classic in the hearts of fans.
In the first national derby of the season, Real Madrid won 3-1 at Barcelona's away stadium Camp Nou. Coming into the second round of the national derby, this match is particularly important, and it is directly related to the process of the three teams competing for the title. Before the match, Real Madrid was in third place with 63 points, two points behind second-placed Barcelona and three points behind first-placed Atletico Madrid. If Real Madrid wins, it will be able to equalize points with Atletico Madrid and lead on goal difference; if Barcelona wins, it will be ranked first; and Atletico Madrid would like to see the result of the two derby teams shaking hands so that they can pull away from each other in the table.
As the Bernabeu Stadium is undergoing renovations, Real Madrid's home ground has been arranged to be the Di Stefano Stadium, where the national derby will be held for the first time. As Real Madrid's home for the past year, the Di Stefano has hosted dozens of matches and has all the facilities required by UEFA, which is one of the major advantages of Real Madrid as a giants, with the second stadium also at a world-class level.
As the defending champions this season, Real Madrid has really distanced itself from Barcelona in the last two years. This can be seen in this match, where Real Madrid opened up quickly at the start of the match. If not for Valverde's shot hitting the post, Real Madrid could have taken a 3-0 lead in the first half. In the 13th minute, Real Madrid striker Benzema goal pick, the ball straight into the near corner of the goal, Real Madrid quickly took the lead; in the 28th minute, Kroos's free kick direct attack on the goal, the ball hit the defender on the change of line, flew directly into the net, Real Madrid 2-0 lead. In the 34th minute, Real Madrid had the opportunity to expand the score, Vinicius defense counter-push, Valverde followed up with a shot, but unfortunately hit the post, Vazquez make-up shot was also pounced on, Barcelona dodged a bullet. In first half stoppage time, Messi's free kick unfortunately hit the post, Real Madrid 2-0 lead into the second half.
Although Barcelona launched a counterattack in the second half, in the 59th minute, Alba passed, Mingeza a pad shot to break the goal, for Barcelona to equalize a goal; but then Barcelona's many attacks are no avail, Real Madrid won the game 2-1, the table is temporarily ranked first in La Liga.
Although Real Madrid won and ranked first, if Atletico Madrid can get a draw or even a win against Betis in this round, then the first place will still be Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona in the third place is only 1 point behind Real Madrid, which is still under pressure to defend its La Liga title.
